One of the few species that goes into true hibernation, it often builds a separate winter burrow. It can hibernate for as little as three months or as long as seven months from October to April. Woodchucks are excellent swimmers and tree climbers.

Mostly herbivorous, they primarily eat wild grasses, berries and agricultural crops when available. They can also eat insects such as grubs, snails and grasshoppers.

Breeding seasons last from early March to late April after hibernation. A mated pair remains in their den during the 30- to 32-day gestation period, and the litter usually yields two to six young. They are born blind, hairless and helpless and are raised in the den by the female until they are about six weeks old. They can live about two to three years in the wild and about double that in captivity.

Common woodchuck predators are wolves, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, bears, hawks, owls and dogs.

They are very common in the northeastern and central United States and can be found as far north as Alaska and as far south as Alabama.