Populations of woodchucks seem to be increasing and extending their range further west in Kansas. The woodchuck 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.
Woodchucks have chisel-like incisor teeth.
From tip of nose to end of tail, woodchucks are approximately 20 to 27 inches long and weigh from 5 to 12 pounds. The early morning and evening hours are preferred for feeding as woodchucks depend on dew for much of their water intake. They eat large quantities of succulent plants. Woodchucks can become a nuisance when their feeding conflicts with people's gardening efforts or when they dig burrows in hayfields. They may feed in gardens, flower beds, alfalfa and clover fields.