Woodchucks prefer a mixture of open farmland, woods, fencerows, and roadsides. They live in burrows usually located in fields, along roadsides or stone fences, at the base of trees, and around building foundations. Burrow systems are extensive and each system has at least two entrances. These entrances often serve as escape holes. Burrow system of the woodchuck.
Woodchucks use burrows for mating, hiding from predators, and hibernation.
One branch of the burrow system leads to a nest chamber containing dried grass. This dead-end nest chamber is sealed with soil during the winter and serves as a hibernation chamber. Woodchucks are most active during early morning and late afternoon when they are feeding. They are vegetarians and eat a variety of broadleafed weeds, including dandelions and plantain. Woodchucks are particularly fond of legumes, including alfalfa and vetch, clover, peas, and beans.