Marmota monax-Woodchuck

© Mike Leveille – (INaturalist)

## **Description**

Large and heavy bodied, with a short muzzle and small rounded ears [3]. They have thick, coarse fur, which ranges from yellowish-gray to dark brown or nearly black above, and lighter below with often a reddish tint [3]. Their feet’s and tail are a dark brown to black in color [3]. They have 20 teeth, with large white front teeth [3].

## **Habitat**

Woodchucks often are found near the forest edge (seldom found in dense forests), in open fields, and human cleared areas [3][4].

## **Behavior**

Woodchucks are active in the daytime, especially in the early morning and the late afternoon [3]. They may also show a good amount of nighttime activity, especially during mating season [3]. Woodchucks dig themselves complex burrow systems, typically in sloping ground, with 2 or 3 entrances [3]. Of these entrances, one may be concealed and serve as the woodchuck’s escape hole [3]. In a dry portion of their burrow, woodchucks create a nest chamber, which contains a dried grass or leaves nest [3]. These dens are commonly used by other species, such as rabbits, raccoons, skunks [3].

## **Reproduction**

Breeding for this species occurs after hibernation ends in spring [3]. When this breeding occurs varies depending on the altitude, but reports from northern Arkansas show mating occurs between late January or early February and early March [3][4]. With most litters in being born in Arkansas from February to early April after a gestation period of 31-33 days [3]. One litter is produced per years with 2-9 young (on average 4-5) which weigh 22-39 grams at birth [3]. The young are weaned at around 4 weeks old, and woodchucks do not typically breed until they reach 2 years old [3].

## **Diet**

Woodchuck’s diet is comprised of grasses, legumes, clover, and various other succulent green herbs [3]. A small amount of animal matter (less than 1 percent of their diet) may be eaten, such as insects or snails [3].

## **Predation and Lifespan**

Their chief predator are foxes, however they are also reported to be preyed on by other wild and domesticated dogs, black bears, bobcats, hawks, and snakes [3][4]. When threatened, they may let out a shrill whistle, which can serve as a warning to other Woodchucks [4]. Young are particularly vulnerable to predation, and may hide in and around the burrow for protection [4]. Most woodchucks live 4-5 years in the wild, however they can live up to 10 years [3].

## **Status**

Woodchucks are listed as least concern by the IUCN [2]. While populations are listed as stable, or presumed to be stable, across most of the southern USA, they are listed as vulnerable in the states of Georgia and Oklahoma [5].

## **References**

[1]: Reid, F. A. (2006). *A field guide to mammals of North America*. Houghton Mifflin Company.

[2]: IUCN (2016). *Marmota monax*. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/42458/115189992

[3]: Sealander, J. A. (1979). A guide to arkansas mammals. River Road Press.

[4]: Tobias, C. (2011). *Marmota monax (Woodchuck)*. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Marmota\_monax/

[5]: NatureServe Explorer. (2023). *Marmota monax*. https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT\_GLOBAL.2.106510/Marmota\_monax