Groundhogs of Illinois
Learn how to recognize groundhog activity, understand their burrows and seasonal behavior, and tell when a woodchuck has settled beneath a structure.
A groundhog is also called a woodchuck
Groundhogs are large members of the squirrel family. Adults have a stocky body, short legs, a broad head, small rounded ears and a short, furred tail. Their grizzled brown coat helps them blend into soil, brush and woodland edges.
They are built for digging. Strong forefeet and curved claws allow a groundhog to excavate extensive tunnels, while their eyes and ears sit high on the head so they can watch for danger while remaining low to the ground.
Where groundhogs live around homes
Natural sites
Groundhogs favor field edges, brushy areas, embankments and woodland borders where vegetation and well-drained soil are available.
Near structures
Decks, porches, sheds and slab edges provide overhead cover. The visible entrance may be only one part of a longer underground tunnel system.
Burrow clues
Look for a wide opening, freshly excavated soil, worn travel paths and repeated digging in the same protected area.
Seasonal behavior changes what homeowners see
Groundhogs are generally active during the day and spend much of their time feeding near cover. They rely on their burrow for shelter, escape and raising young.
During winter, groundhogs enter a deep hibernation and dramatically reduce their activity. They emerge as temperatures rise, and young are typically born in spring. By summer, juveniles begin traveling and may establish new burrow locations.
Common activity patterns
- Feeding in morning or late afternoon
- Standing upright to scan the area
- Retreating quickly when startled
- Expanding or reopening burrow entrances
- Moving farther from the den as young mature
What groundhogs eat
Groundhogs are primarily plant eaters. Around homes they may feed on grasses, clover, leaves, flowers, garden vegetables and low-growing fruit. Their preference for tender vegetation is why damage is often first noticed in gardens and landscaped beds.
Lawns and fields
Grasses, clover and broadleaf plants provide regular forage close to a burrow.
Gardens
Leafy greens, beans and other vegetables can attract repeated feeding visits.
Landscaping
Flowers, shoots and young plant growth may be clipped or browsed.
When groundhog activity becomes a problem
A groundhog is not automatically a threat simply because it crosses a yard. Concern increases when a burrow is placed beneath or immediately beside a structure, when soil is repeatedly displaced, or when feeding damage becomes severe.
- Burrows beneath decks, sheds or porches
- Excavated soil near foundations or slabs
- Garden and ornamental plant damage
- Holes that create a trip hazard
- Pets investigating an occupied burrow
Why filling the hole may not work
If the burrow remains occupied, a groundhog can reopen the entrance or dig another way out. Even after the animal leaves, an unprotected void beneath a structure may remain attractive to future wildlife.
Long-term prevention: When the burrow is associated with a structure, underground fencing can block the vulnerable perimeter after the active wildlife issue is resolved.
Common questions about woodchucks
Are groundhogs active at night?
They are usually most active during daylight, although weather, disturbance and food availability can influence when an individual appears.
Do groundhogs climb?
Yes. Although best known for digging, groundhogs can climb when necessary and may use low trees, fences or stacked materials.
Do groundhogs live in groups?
They are generally solitary outside of the mother-and-young period. Several animals in one area may be using separate burrows.
What is the difference between a woodchuck and a groundhog?
There is no species difference—both names refer to the same animal.
Explore professional groundhog removal and underground fencing
Our service page explains how we inspect active sites, address the animal and protect vulnerable structures with a buried exclusion barrier.