Woodchuck

A burrowing marmot of fields and roadsides that hibernates through winter.

Field guide

A burrowing marmot of fields and roadsides that hibernates through winter.

Identification

Shared features

Stocky brown body, short legs and a bushy tail; often stands upright near a burrow.

Male

Both sexes are stocky and brown with short legs and a bushy tail. Males may average larger, but size and coat do not reliably distinguish sex.

Female

Females have the same burrow-dwelling shape and brown coat. The presence of young can give context; a solitary animal cannot reliably be sexed by sight.

Habitat

Meadows, field edges, road embankments and open ground with diggable soil.

Where to look during the day

Morning

On mild mornings in the active season, scan burrow entrances and nearby grass.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, watch sunny slopes and feeding patches; animals may retreat in heat.

Evening

In the evening, look near burrows before activity ends.

Sounds

A sharp whistle or squeal serves as an alarm call.

Squeaks

Woodchuck squeaks

Sharp calls from a woodchuck.

charlie · Recording source

Natural history source: Read the source

Bag limits

Bag and possession summaries.

-No bag limit or possession limit.

Official bag-limit source