Why Is a Groundhog Called a Woodchuck? The Confusing Facts Answered

The groundhog (Marmota monax), also known as a woodchuck, is a rodent of the family Sciuridae, belonging to the group of giant ground squirrels. But, why is a groundhog called a woodchuck?

The name “Woodchuck” is derived from the Cree word “Wuchak,” which means “Red on his side.” The name “groundhog” is a corruption of the Anglo-Saxon name for the animal, which was initially “Grunde-Hogge.”

There are various reasons why a groundhog may be called a woodchuck. The most common explanation is that the groundhog is a type of woodchuck, a small rodent often found in North America.

Other reasons for the name may include that the groundhog is often found in wooded areas or that the animal is known to eat wood. Regardless, the name “woodchuck” is commonly used for this animal.

Is a Groundhog the Same as a Woodchuck?

They are the same animal species (Genus and Marmota monax). The most popular names probably stem from various etymologies from all over the world. Some Native American civilizations used the names “wejack,” “woodshaw,” and woodchuck for the animal.

Its species name (Monax), which means “the digger,” is most likely derived from a Native American term. The creatures are now often referred to as groundhogs in America.

They have a similar appearance. Are woodchucks and groundhogs the same thing? However, how would you distinguish between them? You cant distinguish them because they are the same.

What Is the Real Name of a Groundhog?

One of the 14 different species of marmots is the groundhog, often known as a woodchuck.

The real name of the groundhog is Marmota Monax. The groundhog (Marmota monax), also called a woodchuck, one of 14 species of marmots (Marmota), is considered a giant North American ground squirrel. It is sometimes destructive to gardens and pasturelands.

What Are Three Other Names for Groundhogs?

There are three additional most popular names for groundhogs.

There are some names for groundhogs. The most used three other names for groundhogs include:

Bunny rabbits
Cottontails
Woodchucks

Additional Link: 5 Surprising Facts About the Female Beaver!

Does a Woodchuck Chuck Wood?

Yes, Woodchuck chucks wood. The term “chuck” might signify one of two things. It might also indicate throwing anything aside. Alternatively, it could refer to eating, the opposite of upchucking.

Whatever interpretation we give to the word “chuck,” it would appear that, contrary to what their name may imply, woodchucks don’t usually eat chuck wood. Although they occasionally nibble on it, they don’t eat any wood. In actuality, they often eat bark and tiny plants.

How Much Wood Can Woodchuck Chuck?

According to their experiment, 12 adult male woodchucks were starved of food before being given wood as their sole food supply. They also came to the conclusion that the term “chuck” meant “consume” because all of the animals engaged in this behavior.

An average woodchuck can chuck wood at a pace of 361.9237001 cubic centimeters per day, according to their incredibly accurate estimate. It is equivalent to 0.7979051766784 pounds.

A groundhog’s tail is small and black, but a squirrel’s tail is long and noticeable.

Groundhogs Family

Marmots, like groundhogs, are linked to the broader land squirrel family (Order Rodentia; Family Sciuridae; Genus Marmota). What do groundhogs look like, and how do they vary from squirrels? The most distinguishing characteristic of groundhogs is their prominent upper incisor teeth.

This quality enables them to nibble on your valuable garden ornaments. Groundhogs are brownish-gray-like squirrels, but they have significantly broader and stockier bodies (body: 16-20 inches long). Groundhogs have short, dark tails, whereas squirrels have long, conspicuous tails (tail: 4-7 inches long).

Woodchucks/groundhogs are members of the same family as squirrels and prairie dogs, along with the other 14 marmot species. The Sciuridae family, which includes several terrestrial and tree rodents, includes these creatures.

These animals are all related and have comparable traits. When eating, they have the ability to hibernate, tunnel, and—most importantly—devastate your garden. You can catch woodchucks with reliable bait for the trap.

The following video daily routine of a cute woodchuck:

Frequently Asked Question

Are woodchuck and groundhog the same thing?

Between a groundhog and a woodchuck, there is no distinction. The phrases “woodchuck” and “groundhog” are the same. Groundhog and woodchuck are merely two names for the same animal. Since the 1600s, both names have been in common use in English.

Regional differences exist in preferences for the terminology. The names are often used interchangeably, although groundhog is becoming more popular.

There are also several less well-known nicknames and slang phrases for the groundhog, including land beaver, thick wood badger, and whistle pig. (The beaver, albeit a rodent, is quite distinct.)

Final Words

There are a variety of reasons why Is a groundhog called a woodchuck.

One reason is that they are often found in wooded areas. Another reason is that they are known for eating wood. Finally, the name could also corrupt the original Native American name for the animal.

If you are trying to keep groundhogs out of your garden, there are a few things you can do. You can build a fence around it.