Groundhogs are much larger than their squirrel and chipmunk cousins. Their body lengths range from 16 to 20 inches, not including their tail and they can weigh anywhere from five (5) to fifteen (15) pounds. Let’s not forget those short, bushy tails that can reach lengths of four (4) to seven (7) inches.

Their fur is a coarse textured brownish gray, normally. However, there have been both albino, all white fur, and melanistic, all black fur animals found in the wild.

Groundhogs are burrowing animals and because of this their physical appearance and characteristics reflect this activity; they are made for digging! Their front legs are strong and sturdy and as with all rodents their front teeth are large and continuously growing. In fact, these continuously growing teeth, while quite beneficial for digging through your yard, have caused some problems for the animals. When they are not used enough and they grow too long, these incisors can cross making them wholly ineffective and rendering the animal at a loss for creating their burrow homes and even eating.

Their eyes, ears and nose are positioned near the very top the animals head. This allows for the animal to remain almost totally concealed in their burrows while scouting for above ground food sources.

have long, curved claws on their forefeet that act as excellent little shovels.