The burrow descends at a sharp angle below the entry hole and then levels off into a narrower tunnel. Woodchucks often dig many side tunnels and two or three back entrances. Burrows are usually located in well-drained, sloping areas, and rarely get flooded. In digging, chucks use their strong forefeet to loosen the soil, then their hindfeet to kick the earth behind them. Even though a groundhog has short legs, it can run at a fairly fast clip for a short distance.
Woodchucks climb well, ascending and descending trees head first.
They have good balance and frequently walk along wooden fence rails. They use their front paws much as people use their hands, to clutch stems of clover or hold apples while feeding. Woodchucks can produce several sounds. They often let out a sharp whistle for an alarm call. Woodchucks hibernate during the winter.