Marmot vs. Groundhog — What's the Difference?

Marmots are large rodents known for their burrowing habits and social behavior.

They predominantly feed on grasses and are important in their ecosystems for their burrowing.

They have a diverse diet adapted to high-altitude environments.

Known for their extensive burrows which can have several entrances.

Marmots are integral to their mountain ecosystems, affecting soil and vegetation dynamics.

Groundhogs, or woodchucks, are a type of marmot native to North America.

They hibernate during winter months to survive the cold.

Groundhogs are solitary creatures, with notable exceptions during mating season.

Known for their loud whistles to communicate and warn about threats.

Their hibernation is studied for insights into metabolic suppression and thermoregulation.

Marmots are relatively large ground squirrels in the genus Marmota, with 15 species living in Asia, Europe, and North America. These herbivores are active during the summer when often found in groups, but are not seen during the winter when they hibernate underground.

The groundhog (Marmota monax), also known as a woodchuck, is a rodent of the family Sciuridae, belonging to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. The groundhog is a lowland creature of North America; it is found through much of the eastern United States, across Canada and into Alaska.

Any of various stocky, coarse-furred, burrowing rodents of the genus Marmota, having short legs and ears and short bushy tails and found throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

Another term for woodchuck

Any of several large ground-dwelling rodents of the genera Marmota and Cynomys in the squirrel family.

See woodchuck.

Any rodent of the genus Marmota (formerly Arctomys) of the subfamily Sciurinae. The common European marmot (Marmota marmotta) is about the size of a rabbit, and inhabits the higher regions of the Alps and Pyrenees. The bobac is another European species. The common American species (Marmota monax) is the woodchuck (also called groundhog), but the name marmot is usually used only for the western variety.

A red-brown marmot, Marmota monax, native to North America.

Any one of several species of ground squirrels or gophers of the genus Spermophilus; also, the prairie dog.

(rare) The aardvark.

Stocky coarse-furred burrowing rodent with a short bushy tail found throughout the northern hemisphere; hibernates in winter

A reddish brown North American burrowing marmot (Marmota monax), also called the woodchuck. It hibernates in the winter.

Reddish brown North American marmot

Groundhogs can be pests, damaging crops and fields with their burrowing.

Groundhogs are more solitary and adapted to lowland environments.

Marmots are found in mountainous regions of Europe, Asia, and North America.

Marmots are known for their social behavior and extensive burrowing.

Marmots have diverse diets that include insects and grains, unlike many other rodents.

Groundhog Day involves a groundhog predicting the coming of spring based on whether it sees its shadow.

Marmots contribute by affecting vegetation and soil dynamics through their activities.

Yes, marmots are preyed upon by eagles, foxes, and bears.

Yes, groundhogs are capable swimmers.

Their burrows aerate the soil and can influence local ecology and soil health.

Some marmot species are considered vulnerable or endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.

Groundhogs typically live 6 to 8 years in the wild.

Marmots use loud whistles to communicate, especially to warn of danger.

Groundhogs hibernate during the winter months to escape the cold.

Groundhogs are studied for their unique hibernation patterns and potential implications for human health.