The open fields have an abundant supply of food and sun for the woodchuck. The burrows are usually located along edges of fields, which gives the animal some protection. They move to new dens for winter hibernation. Their winter burrows are in forests sheltered by trees and shrubs. Some believe they may move to the forest because frost does not penetrate the ground as deeply as it does in the open prairies.
Woodchucks live in burrows they dig into the ground.
If the soil is soft enough, the tunnels may be up to 6 feet below the surface. There are usually many tunnels leading to a den and excrement chamber. The main entrance to the burrow has a large mound of dirt around it, the dirt from inside the tunnels. Other emergency entrances are also dug, but are well hidden on the outside. The den is where sleeping and hibernation take place, and if it is a female s den, it will become a nursery for the young.