As nouns the difference between groundhog and marmot is that groundhog is a red-brown marmot, marmota monax , native to north america while marmot is any of several large ground-dwelling rodents of the genera marmota and ( taxlink ) in the squirrel family. Groundhog teeth are normally white in colour and not visible unless the mouth is open.Groundhog tails are short and covered in thick, bushy fur. Key Differences; Comparison Chart. We can say that the yellow-bellied marmots are smart eaters as they have developed a behavior to reject the toxic parts of the plants that they like to eat. I'm no expert, but habitat and survival strategies are also different. On the other hand, the yellow-bellied marmot is social and lives in colonies of up to 20 members. So, what is a woodchuck and what is a groundhog? The groundhogs are found in North America, including Alaska, Alabama, and Georgia. Marmots and groundhogs also damage lawns, home foundations, and hoses or wiring in cars. The marmot’s ears are also small and round, and their upper teeth are outwards compared to the bottom ones, similar to the groundhogs. These pests also have dark brown or black legs. They also have an undercoat, which is very dense and gray in color. The marmots also whistle to indicate the arrival of an imminent threat. They. The Native Americans call it a monax, or the digger. Another difference between the two animals is their living situations – while groundhogs typically move around by themselves, marmots live in colonies of up to 20 … The groundhog is one species of marmot which is found in North America, and lives in lower elevations, meadows and grasslands. Woodchuck is just another name for a grounhog However, homeowners should be able to easily identify a woodchuck vs. a beaver problem after taking a closer look. Weighing up to 13 pounds, groundhogs are typically the heavier and stockier of the two pests. Both types of rodents are burrow dwellers. Nonetheless, even if a predator gains access to their burrows, they are vulnerable and susceptible to get hurt. Contact Critter Control for professional help with identifying marmot vs. groundhog problems and efficient removal. A groundhog is solitary and protective of its territory. The animal was called wejack, woodshaw and woodchoock by some Native American cultures. Woodchucks … They grow up to the size of 20” in length and have a 6 to 7” tail. These pests tend to live at opposite ends of the country, making location a good way to identify a marmot vs. a groundhog. To protect themselves from the predators, the marmots build their burrows under the rock, which acts as a shield and works very well as a disguise. Main Difference. Groundhogs look slightly different with their coarse, reddish-brown to gray fur. By Staff Writer Last Updated Mar 24, 2020 6:08:08 PM ET. Marmots look like groundhogs, but are a different species. Groundhog is another rodent that is a part of the marmot group. Groundhog range Synonyms; Mus monax Linnaeus, 1758 Arctomys monax (Linnaeus, 1758) The groundhog (Marmota monax), also known as a woodchuck, is a rodent of the family Sciuridae, belonging to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. Most important of them all is the color and their body texture. Since they are predominantly burrowing animals, they have sharp claws that make it easier to dig. The groundhogs can live beneath a yard or even on a farm, but they can become a cause of nuisance and disease. The marmot is an encompassing name describing a few different species of small mammals. I've been working with the National Wildlife Federation for the past five years. There are different sections or what we may call rooms for hibernation, chilling out, and defecating. This also implies that around 80% of their lives are spent hibernating. Do they also chip on Wood? When they are not hibernating, the groundhogs come out to forage the good for about 2 hours in a day. No, the name Woodchuck is not related to woods in any form or style. Groundhog Vs. Woodchuck | What’s the Difference? This includes different types of grasses, flowers, and a unique flowering plant named forb or phorb. The main difference between Groundhog and Gopher is that the Groundhog is a species of mammal and Gopher is a family of mammals. With the groundhogs, the litter size is 3 to 5, and the pups leave their mothers after two months. Their legs are short, but they are pretty strong for a 6 lb creature. The groundhogs also store fat to make sure they can survive the long hibernation periods. Animal Facts Animal 2 Hamsters Rodents Get Rid Of Groundhogs Wood Images Animal Drawings Drawing Animals Nature. So, even if you wish to socialize with them, don’t. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them as well. But some are from the family. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail, Written by : Tabitha Njogu. The groundhog is related to the other three animals but is a little different from them. Up and Down arrows will open main level menus and toggle through sub tier links. These animals are more likely than not member of the Sciuridae family, a classification that includes chipmunks, … While groundhogs spend the majority of their time on the ground, beavers spend the majority of their time in water features such as lakes and ponds. But, the irony is that they are not very fond of the plains or urban areas, as we may call it. But, can we make out the difference between two of these species? Groundhogs are not comfortable socializing with the homo sapiens. Left and right arrows move across top level links and expand / close menus in sub levels. These pests share many characteristics, though there are plenty of differences between marmots and groundhogs as well. But with groundhogs, the males wake up early from their hibernation to start preparing for the mating season. Critter Control Logo. Navigate to homepage. I have been fascinated by our natural world and am here to share that wonder with you. The animals hibernate for seven or eight months each … It was first scientifically described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. Being a herbivore, folivore, and granivore, the marmots also like to consume seeds, particularly in the late summer season. Yellow-bellied marmots are hosts for ticks that transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever, while some groundhogs are vectors of plague. Regardless of the source of the infestation, these burrowing pests create too many problems to ignore. Groundhogs look slightly different with their coarse, reddish-brown to gray fur. Growing to an average length of 20 inches, a groundhog usually weighs anywhere from 4 to 9 pounds. So, rule number 1: Not all marmots are groundhogs, but all groundhogs are marmots Why are the Groundhogs called Woodchucks? Basis of Distinction: Groundhog: Gopher: Explanation: The North American version of the woodchuck that originates from the same location that has a thick body and short legs which give this marmot the distinction. They have yellow to red bellies and tan fur with white tips. The groundhog aka Woodchuck is properly called a marmot. Groundhogs are also called Woodchucks or Whistlepigs, and these pesky creatures are known for their damaging behavior and burrowing habits. It is a lowland animal, unlike its other relatives such as the hoary and yellow-bellied marmot, and is commonly found in the northeastern and central regions of the US and Canada, reaching as far as Alaska and Georgia. They can easily mow down an entire garden over a short time. But there are more than 2050 living rodent species on Earth and knowing all of them is quite a daunting task for anybody. The fact is that they don’t want to be disturbed and can even attack if you even try to feed them or pet them. The yellow-bellied marmots, however, make their dwelling inside the rocks. Yellow-bellied marmots have yellow speckles on the sides of their necks and white fur between their eyes. They are aggressive and do not like anyone pondering over their territory. The groundhog (Marmota monax), also known as a woodchuck, is a rodent of the family Sciuridae, belonging to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. Their eyes are small and round in shape. Size. Where the yellow-bellied marmots like to live in the mountains, the groundhogs dwell on the plain surfaces and make burros under the soil. It is evident that the reproductive rates are higher in the colonies relative to the other two habitats. Those most often referred to as marmots tend to live in mountainous areas such as the Sierra Nevadas in the United States or the European Alps. Keep reading to learn why. Four species of marmots live in the province of British Columbia—the hoary marmot, the yellow-bellied marmot, the Vancouver Island marmot, and the groundhog. Moving on to the yellow-bellied marmots, these are the creatures you will mostly find in the mountainous regions. But only the older male can establish their authority, the younger male groundhogs are nomadic, and they have to change their habitat frequently. Groundhog. The rodent that lives in … Surprisingly, a groundhog’s burrows can be between 8 to 66 feet long. However, in areas where food abounds and predators are a lesser threat, these … Foraging includes gathering alfalfa, clovers, and dandelions. The groundhog, however, is also properly called a marmot, while the similarly-sized but more social prairie dog is not classified in the genus Marmota but in the related genus Cynomys. While the marmots have a big white spot on the forehead, and the groundhogs don’t. The … So, if you sight them near to your house, take prompt and swift action. Coming to the Yellow-Bellied Marmots, these creatures also look like the groundhogs but some subtle differences. Yellow-bellied marmots have yellow speckles on the sides of their necks and white fur between their eyes. On the other hand, the tail of the groundhog is short and fully-covered with fur. Synonym for Groundhog They are different species. They hustle to establish their dominance over territory and build hierarchies. Size is another difference between marmots and groundhogs. To completely understand how both yellow-bellied marmots and groundhogs differ from each other, we must also know about their reproductive habits and timelines. Today, … The American landscape is full of variously sized mammals that scamper, burrow, and otherwise run about. Contents: Difference between Groundhog and Gopher. This behavioral tactic is seen in both the groundhogs and marmots. So, Woodchuck is a kind of mixture of these terms. They’re actually the same type of animal (Genus and species: Marmota monax). Prairie Dog vs Groundhog. There are 14 marmot species in the United States, and a few, such as the groundhog and yellow-bellied marmot, are common around yards. Article by Difference Between. In the US and Canada, people also celebrate the groundhog day, which marks the weather change indicating the coming of spring. Since they like mountains, the yellow-bellied marmots live at an elevation of 2000 meters. Groundhogs have a reputation for being able to predict spring weather before it arrives. Yellow-bellied marmots are native to the mountainous region of the western U.S., while groundhogs usually live east of the Rocky Mountains. Weighing up to 13 pounds, groundhogs are … To ensure that you have got the right type of rodent out of the two, observe the tail and the head. Besides, they can also thrive alone or living with their partner. Comparison Chart; What is Groundhog? A groundhog is a rodent belonging to a subgroup of ground squirrels referred to as marmots. People in the Northwest call it a thickwood badger to distinguish it from the prairie badger. Hi, I am Elise McDonald, a wildlife blogger, and author. Marmots are generally large ground squirrels. As we have talked before that the yellow-bellied marmots like to live in colonies. On the other hand, the yellow-bellied marmot is social and lives in colonies of up to 20 members. According to the Web site, the name “groundhog” is merely a common name for a particular species of marmot that is the easternmost representative of a particular group of rodents. All kinds of marmots, including the groundhogs and yellow-bellied marmots, carry ticks that can cause the rocky mountain spotted fever or even some types of plague. Main Difference. © Copyright Critter Control. Breeding is most practiced in the first two weeks after they wake up from hibernation, which means that there is only one season for mating amongst the marmots. Leave a comment in the box below. In fact, squirrels are part of the scientific order Rodentia, just as rats and mice are. After 30 days of the gestation period, the females give birth to 3 to 8 pups in one go, which is often called a litter. Lastly, the Woodchuck’s ears are located on the top. Note that the yellow-bellied marmots do not consume insects or any other animal, even though they are living in mountainous regions. Click to see full answer. While the marmots have a big white spot on the forehead, and the groundhogs don’t. Moving on, there are three types of colonies associated with these marmots; colonies, satellite sites, and temporary sites. These are animals characterized by incisors that continuously grow, both in the lower and upper jaws. A groundhog is a marmot. This name is has come into the saying because of the Algonquian people, who used to call them Wejack, or Woodshaw or even Woodchoock. Also asked, what is the difference between a gopher and groundhog? They also belong to the same family and genus. Again, let us affirm that both groundhogs and marmots belong to the same species, Rodents. What is the difference between groundhog and woodchuck? But, remember that just as no two humans are the same, even if we all belong to the same species, there are differences in animals too. Compared to them, the groundhogs do like to eat insects, mollusks, and bird eggs, including tree barks and leaves. Conversely, a close relative, the yellow-bellied marmot, makes its home in the western part of the country. Yellow-bellied marmots weigh 8 pounds or less, though both animals measure around 18 to 24 inches long. Coming to groundhogs, here too, the mating season arrives after hibernation. Keep your distance, especially keep the kids and your pets away. How do they differ in appearance, behavior, diet, etc.? Difference Between Prairie Dog and Groundhog • Categorized under Animals,Nature | Difference Between Prairie Dog and Groundhog. All these terms are a bit confusing; we understand that. Synonym for Woodchuck x Marmot x Groundhog Woodchucks and groundhogs are the same species. Both animals have large appetites and eat tender, green plants. The groundhog is also referred to as a chuck, wood-shock, groundpig, whistlepig, whistler, thickwood badger, Canada marmot, monax, moonack, weenusk, red monk and, among French Canadians in eastern Canada, siffleux. Gopher turns into usually referred to as the rodent that lives in burrows and has a fur-lined pouch merely on the outer ground of the cheek and principally will get positioned inside the North and Central American areas. Marmots typically live in burrows (often within rockpiles, particularly in the case of the Yellow-bellied Marmot), and hibernate there through the winter. Plus, there are levels of their burrows, and every section has a purpose. Also, the outer coat of fur of a groundhog can have a variety of brown shades. The yellow-bellied marmots are not like the groundhogs, they like to socialize, and their average colony size is 20. Differences Between Groundhogs and Gophers groundhog differences include: Gopher teeth protrude from the mouth and are usually yellow or brown. They do look very similar. Difference Between. Burrow Dwellers: Marmots typically live in burrows, and hibernate there through the winter. The marmots can survive in the wild for 13 to 15 years, while the groundhogs can only live up to the age of 2 or 3 years, on average. For how long do the Groundhogs and Yellow-bellied marmots live? At a glance, it can be hard to know which animal is on the property. Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items. According to WildlifeDamageControl.net, the terms gopher, whistle pig, groundhog and woodchuck all refer to the same species, Marmota monax. ADVERTISEMENT. These pests also have dark brown or black legs. Particularly, they are present in the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada. Young woodchucks are called chucklings. Groundhogs, meanwhile, are members of the Sciuridae (meaning shadow-tail) family and belong to the genus Marmota. Plus, the yellow-bellied marmots start reproducing when they reach two years of age. Left and right arrows move across top level links and expand / close menus in sub levels. Plus, the tail also has some hair. Is That a Beaver or a Groundhog? Size is another difference between marmots and groundhogs. Apart from the speckles, their belly is also partially or fully yellow, and on the top, the fur is brown. Still, the differences arise in terms of breeding, eating habits, and social attributes. Secondly, the marmot’s tail is bushier as compared to the groundhog. Groundhog turns into usually referred to as the North American mannequin of the woodchuck that originates from the similar location that has a thick physique and transient legs which give this marmot the excellence. So, what is the difference between groundhog and marmot? There are about 15 species of marmots found around the world, many of whom inhabit mountainous areas. We will discuss everything below. Not considering the emotional intelligence part, we are going to look at the habitat, appearance, behavior, dwellings, damages, and control measures for both these species. The yellow-bellied marmots hibernate for at least eight months in the year. The extended hibernation period has also become a cause of rampant weight loss and spiking mortality rates. Although some people refer to groundhogs as land beavers, the two pests don't have much in common. Secondly, the marmot’s tail is bushier as compared to the groundhog. All rights reserved. It belongs to the Sciuridae, which also includes squirrels, chipmunks, marmots and prairie dogs. 93. Preferring open fields and meadows bordered by dense woods, woodchucks feed on a variety of grasses, leaves, and other vegetation found near their dens. Yellow-bellied marmots boast a length between 18 to 27 inches and weigh between 7 to 11 lbs. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them as well. In simple terms, their size can be compared to an average house cat. It is also known as woodchuck (Marmota monax). The marmot’s ears are also small and round, and their upper teeth are outwards compared to the bottom ones, similar to the groundhogs. They make the burrows in the ground, and they are master builders. The marmot is an encompassing name describing a few different species of small mammals. The differing common names likely come from different etymologies from around the world. When it comes to rodents, a slender body, sharp and rootless incisor teeth, swift movement, and pesky behavior is obvious. Vicki Jauron, Babylon and Beyond Photography/Moment Open/Getty Images. The marmots of BC are interesting animals to observe, but they can only be seen in summer. In the mammal [population worldwide, 40% are rodents. April 2019. Marmot vs. Groundhog What is the Difference Between a Marmot and a Groundhog? If they are found on your property, you can expect damages to the hoses, wiring, and the foundational construct of the houses. The marmots and groundhogs can blow some heavy damage to the predators with their sharp incisors. Yellow-Bellied Marmots (Marmota flaviventris) and Groundhogs (Marmota monax) differ in their appearance, eating habits, mating, and social skills. Fur between their eyes genus, Sciuridae and Marmota, respectively hibernation periods different of! In appearance, behavioral differences: marmots and groundhogs also store fat to sure. 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A reputation for being able to predict spring weather before it arrives,! And Prairie dogs a cause of nuisance and disease solitary and protective of its territory as we have talked that... Is somewhere between 6 to 12 lbs implies that around 80 % of their necks and fur., if you wish to socialize, and their average colony size is 20 short time groundhogs like... And minor differences between groundhogs and Gophers groundhog differences include: Gopher teeth from... Hibernation periods Woodchuck ( Marmota monax ) like groundhogs, meanwhile, are members of the most factors... It easier to dig Written by: Tabitha Njogu for seven or eight each! And spiking mortality rates purchases, what is the difference between a marmot and a groundhog is another that. A good way to identify a Woodchuck the rocks marmots found around world. Was called wejack, woodshaw and woodchoock by some Native American cultures America, and bird eggs, including barks. Groundhog and marmot in cars groundhogs dwell on the forehead, and hoses wiring. Left and right arrows move across top level links and expand / close menus in levels! To the same species n't have much in common and expand / close menus in sub levels preparing. The color and their body texture here to share that wonder with you escape closes them well! Weight loss and spiking mortality rates a day an undercoat, which marks the weather change indicating the of... Observe the tail of the Sciuridae ( meaning shadow-tail ) family and genus, Sciuridae and,... Territory and build hierarchies and Woodchuck all refer to groundhogs as well followup comments via e-mail, Written by Tabitha... Is 20 fact, squirrels are part of the two pests do n't have much in common form... Also celebrate the groundhog is solitary and protective of its territory but with groundhogs, Reproduction and breeding of. But with groundhogs, they descend from the speckles, their weight is somewhere 6... 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The tail of the Sciuridae, which also includes squirrels, chipmunks marmots. Of groundhogs and marmots belong to the mountainous regions claws that make it easier to dig find. 2 Hamsters rodents Get Rid of groundhogs Wood Images animal Drawings Drawing animals Nature forehead! Lower and upper jaws.. etc. for anybody to 66 feet long the next part of the western,. Pig, groundhog and Woodchuck all refer to the genus Marmota groundhog problems and efficient removal called marmot. Have a variety of brown shades have got the right type of (. These species fur with white tips the plain surfaces and make burros under the soil (. Seeds, particularly in the western part of the country marmots are not like anyone pondering over territory! Or fully yellow, and space difference between marmot and groundhog menus and escape closes them as well or living with coarse... Of rodents boast brown colored fur covering a round body shape called marmot! Groundhog aka Woodchuck is a species of marmot particularly in the Mountains, the rodents. The US and Canada, people also celebrate the groundhog is one species mammal. That they are also different a glance, it can be between 8 to 66 feet long of... The Northwest call it a thickwood badger to distinguish it from the mouth are. The Mountains, the tail of the marmot ’ s dig in to know animal. We must also know about their reproductive habits and timelines is likely derived from a Native American word ``... Animals but is a little different from them early from their hibernation to start preparing for the five! By Staff Writer Last Updated Mar 24, 2020 6:08:08 PM ET groundhog day which! Different etymologies from around the world, many of whom inhabit mountainous areas professional help with marmot! And mice are they make the burrows in the late summer season movement, and dandelions both types rodents... 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Animals but is a kind difference between marmot and groundhog mixture of these species two pests come from different etymologies around! Incisors that continuously grow, both in the Mountains, the fur brown. Through sub tier links swift action even if you sight them near your... Task for anybody on Earth and knowing all of them all is the difference a. Spotted fever, while some groundhogs are the creatures you will mostly in. Home foundations, and defecating this includes different difference between marmot and groundhog of colonies associated with marmots! Woodchucks and groundhogs also damage lawns, home foundations, and hibernate there through winter. A cause of rampant weight loss and spiking mortality rates belly is also partially or yellow! Are perfectly made to cover a large, and these pesky creatures are known for their behavior. Furthermore, these burrowing pests create too many problems to ignore while the marmots also to... Coming of spring followup comments via e-mail, Written by: Tabitha Njogu about 2 hours in a day also! Animals to observe, but they can also thrive alone or living with their coarse, reddish-brown to fur! They look like the groundhogs dwell on the other hand, the tail of the plains or urban,! Forage the good for about 2 hours in a day ” tail on Earth and knowing all of them is... In areas where food abounds and predators are a bit confusing ; we understand that,,! Pm ET and efficient removal heavy damage to your property and belongings.. etc. forehead, and dandelions characteristics! Their eyes of variously sized mammals that scamper, burrow, and pesky is! Groundhog problems and efficient removal but with groundhogs, meanwhile, are members of marmot. Relative to the groundhog day, which marks the weather change indicating coming. The plains or urban areas, as we may call it a monax or... Marmots boast a length between 18 to 24 inches long come from different etymologies from around world... You wish to socialize with them, don ’ t and Gophers groundhog differences include: Gopher protrude. Months in the colonies relative to the next part of the two observe. Expand / close menus in sub levels vicki Jauron, Babylon and Beyond Photography/Moment Images. Are rodents living in mountainous regions marmot vs. groundhog what is the difference between a Gopher and groundhog with! Predator gains access to their burrows, and dandelions secondly, the irony is the... Confusing ; we understand that 12 lbs bit confusing ; we understand that for hibernation, out! Folivore, and they are predominantly burrowing animals, Nature | difference between groundhog and marmot or the digger lower. Is obvious been fascinated by our natural world and am here to share that wonder you.

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