Are groundhogs and woodchucks the same? Yes!
The groundhog belongs to a group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. Weighing up to 15 pounds, woodchucks are amongst the largest members of the squirrel family Sciuridae (in the Rodentia order), which also includes chipmunks and prairie dogs. Principally herbivores, groundhogs eat a variety of plants, including, grasses, fruit, tree bark, and vegetables from your garden. However, woodchucks will also consider grubs, insects, and snails.
People often wonder if there is a difference between Groundhogs and Woodchucks, and why they have such a long list of names, including:
Woodchuck
The etymology of the Woodchuck originates from several indigenous cultures that named the marmot based on its behavior. To answer the most common question concerning the woodchuck vs. groundhog, the two species are indeed the same, both sharing the Latin name Marmota monax.
Interestingly, the name Woodchuck has little to do with wood or chucking. Like the Muskrat, the name evolved from the Native American Algonquin peoples of Eastern Canada and New England, (or possibly Narraganset) who called them Wuchak, which translates to “the digger.” Other indigenous titles include Wejack, Otchek (Cree) Woodshaw, Woodchoock. Today, most North Americans call the animal groundhogs, while people of the United Kingdom refer to them as woodchucks.
Whistle Pigs
Woodchucks or groundhogs are also known as Whistle pigs, especially in the Appalachian area of the United States. This name is explained by the high-pitched whistle sound emitted by groundhogs to alert other members of the colony to danger. Groundhogs typically reserve this call when they sense predators like coyotes and foxes.
Land Beavers
Groundhogs occasionally go by the name land-beaver due to the shared characteristics they have with beavers, namely their appearance as large furry brown rodents. However, there are many differences between woodchucks and beavers.
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Wildlife & Rodent Control in San Diego
Full service. Excellent job of extracting raccoon, cleaning all animal waste, sanitizing, and spraying anti-parasitic substance. They closed all potential ports of entry, though the work did not match the vinyl, and it looks kind of tacky. They added blown insulation, which added a lot to the cost. They provide a one year warranty against animal intrusion, with an option to extend the warranty at the end of each one- year period. They were willing to work with me one the price. I will probably extend my warranty, and will definitely use them it the future.
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Critter Control did a great job of evaluating our house for sites of entry after we found bats and a squirrel in our attic. They completed their work promptly and professionally.
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We heard some noise from the corner of our house. Concerned that it could be inside we called for an inspection. Jessy arrived as scheduled and conducted a complete inspection of our home. Based on a recording we made he determined we had a tree frog on our roof. I was pleased that we didn’t have any rodent in our house. And his inspection could a few spots I can tighten up around my house. I am very happy with the outcome.
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New Hampshire
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We contacted Critter Control and Mr. Cahoon was quick to set up an appointment as we wouldn’t be in town very long. He came out and assessed our issues. He informed us of our options to both eradicate and control future intrusions. Keeping in mind that wildlife is wildlife! He quickly got to work eradicating the rodents and wildlife from our home and addressing the intrusion issues. We feel much better leaving our vacation home for periods at a time knowing that Mr. Cahoon and Critter Control did their job and did it right! Thanks again!
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