The groundhog has a compact, chunky body supported by relatively short, strong legs. Its tail is short and bristly. Its forefeet have long, curved claws that are adapted for digging ground burrows where it seeks refuge and hibernates during winter months. Its color is usually a grizzled brownish-gray, although fur color may vary from white to black. Groundhogs have chisel-like incisor teeth that enable them to gnaw well.
Groundhogs eat a broad variety of vegetation and especially favor domestic legumes.
In the early mornings and evenings during the summer, groundhogs feed on succulent, green vegetation in preparation for hibernation during late fall. They emerge from hibernation in early February and mate in February and March. Gestation requires 31 to 33 days. The young are weaned by late June or early July, and soon after strike out on their own, usually occupying old, abandoned dens. The numerous new burrows that appear during the late summer are dug by older groundhogs.