Also known as: Woodchuck, Whistle pig, Land beaver; Groundhog
About two feet long, this largest member of the squirrel family has dark gray fur on a stout body with short legs and tail, and gives a sharp whistle as an alarm call. How To Prevent Or Resolve Conflicts With Woodchucks: Woodchucks may eat plants and vegetables from your gardens, and fencing may be needed. Learn more about how to prevent or resolve conflicts with woodchucks
Habitat & Range
Open grassy areas, fields, small open woodlots, agricultural land, and along brushy fence lines, where they make underground burrows, often on slight hills, up to five feet deep and 30 feet long. These burrows, when abandoned, provide denning sites for opossums, raccoons, foxes, and skunks.
Life History
Diet: This herbivore eats grasses, dandelions, clover, and garden crops. Nocturnal/Diurnal: Most active during the mornings and evenings of warmer months. Seasonal Changes: A true hibernator, the groundhog’s body temperature drops from 97 to 40 degrees for up to six months; only males come above ground in late winter to mate and then go back into hibernation. Reproduction & Family Structure: Two to five young are born in late spring, in a single litter.
Hunting Season
No closed season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regulations for hunting Groundhog in Maine
Groundhog (woodchuck) may be hunted year-round in Maine with no bag limit. They are considered a nuisance species in many areas and are commonly hunted for pest control.
When is Groundhog hunting season in Maine?
No closed season.
What is the bag limit for Groundhog in Maine?
No limit.
What's another name for Groundhog?
Groundhog is also known as Woodchuck, Whistle pig, Land beaver; Groundhog in Maine.
What is the scientific name of the groundhog?
The groundhog's scientific name is Marmota monax.
References
| State | Category | Directory | Subcategory | Content | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | Hunting | Regulations | Season Dates | No closed season. | Link |
| Maine | Hunting | Regulations | Regulations | Groundhog (woodchuck) may be hunted year-round in Maine with no bag limit. They are considered a nuisance species in man | Link |
