They have one litter of three to five young per year. These stocky, oversized ground squirrels come well equipped for their life below deck. They can move more than 200 pounds of soil per year with their powerful front legs. During the garden growing season, they are generally found in open areas, where there is good forage and where they can stand upright and get a jump on any approaching danger. If threatened, these critters lose no time ducking into a nearby burrow.
Burrows provide woodchucks with elaborate protection.
Any serious discussion of woodchucks must include their burrows. Burrows, or more accurately, burrow systems, are vital to the survival of woodchucks. Being fully prepared to match wits with these critters requires an understanding and appreciation of these complexes. Each woodchuck burrow has one to three entrances, but sometimes more, depending on its purpose and age. The burrows come complete with a nest chamber and often a latrine area.