Do Groundhogs Make Good Pets? (Quick Answer)

Do groundhogs make good pets?

Are there reasons why you should not keep them?

Well, you just have to keep reading to get the answers.

Groundhogs, also called woodchucks, are rodents of the Sciuridae family, they belong to a group of big ground squirrels referred to as marmots.

Also, Groundhogs are found throughout much of North America and are common in the northeastern and central United States as well as in southeastern Canada.

In this post, we’d be exploring some facts about groundhogs and whether or not you can keep them as pets.

Do Groundhogs Make Good Pets?

No, they do not.

Groundhogs, while adorable, are not the best pets.

They require a lot of space and can be very destructive.

Plus, they can be quite noisy.

If you’re looking for a pet that is low-maintenance and quiet, a groundhog is not the right choice.

Related: Do Voles Make Good Pets?

Why Groundhogs Don’t Make Great Pets

They’re burrowers.

Groundhogs are natural burrowers and will dig up your yard in search of food.

If you have a groundhog as a pet, be prepared for your garden to be dug up and your lawn to be full of holes.

They’re escape artists.

Groundhogs are known for their ability to escape from enclosures.

If you’re thinking of keeping a groundhog as a pet, be sure to build a secure enclosure that they can’t get out of.

They’re destructive.

Groundhogs tend to chew on things, including electrical wires and wood.

If you have a groundhog as a pet, be prepared for them to damage your property.

They’re carriers of disease.

Groundhogs can carry a variety of diseases, including rabies.

If you’re thinking of keeping a groundhog as a pet, be sure to get them vaccinated against rabies.

They’re not cuddly.

Groundhogs are not known for being cuddly or affectionate animals.

If you’re looking for a pet that you can cuddle with, a groundhog is not the right choice for you.

More Facts About Groundhogs

Groundhogs Can Climb Trees to Escape Predators

Groundhogs are capable of climbing trees to escape predators.

This is an important skill for them to have, as groundhogs are one of the most commonly hunted animals in North America.

By being able to climb trees, groundhogs can keep themselves safe from predators like foxes, coyotes, and bobcats.

While they may not be able to outrun these predators, they can easily escape by climbing a tree.

Groundhogs also use their climbing ability to find food.

They will climb up into trees to eat the leaves and fruits that are available there.

Groundhogs Can Hibernate

Groundhogs are one of the few mammals that can hibernate.

During hibernation, their heart rate and body temperature drop significantly, and they can go for months without eating or drinking.

Groundhogs can even survive being frozen solid.

While hibernation is a great way to save energy during winter, it’s not perfect.

Groundhogs sometimes wake up too early and have to deal with the cold weather before they’re ready.

They also have to be careful not to eat too much before hibernating, or they’ll get so heavy they won’t be able to move at all.

Despite these risks, hibernation is a great way for groundhogs to survive the winter.

In fact, without it, they might not make it through the coldest months of the year.

Some Groundhogs Are Completely Black Or White

Another fun fact about groundhogs is that they are sometimes completely black or white, but other times they can be a mixture of black, gray, and brown.

No matter what their color, all groundhogs have five toes on each foot and a short tail.

Groundhogs Do Whistle and Bark

Despite their cute and cuddly appearances, groundhogs can be pretty pesky creatures.

If you have one living near your home, you’ve probably noticed that they tend to make a lot of noise.

One of the sounds that groundhogs are known for is whistling.

If you’ve ever heard a groundhog whistle, you know that it’s a high-pitched, screeching sound that can be pretty darn annoying.

But why do groundhogs whistle?

There are a few different theories out there, but the most likely explanation is that whistling is a way for groundhogs to communicate with each other.

By whistling, they can let other groundhogs know where they are and what they’re up to.

In addition to whistling, groundhogs also bark.

Like whistling, barking is thought to be a way for groundhogs to communicate with each other.

They may use barking to warn other groundhogs of danger or to let them know that food is nearby.

So, if you’ve ever wondered why groundhogs whistle and bark, now you know.

Groundhogs Taste Like Rabbits

If you’re ever in the mood for a groundhog, don’t fret – they taste just like rabbits. Groundhogs are herbivores, so their diet consists of mostly leaves, roots, and grasses.

They also eat small amounts of insects and other invertebrates.

Because of this, their flesh has a slightly sweet taste that’s similar to rabbit meat.

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, consider giving groundhog a try.

You Can Die if You Eat Raw Groundhog

Did you know that eating raw groundhogs can be deadly? It’s true. The reason is that groundhogs are often infested with a parasitic roundworm called Trichinella spiralis.

When people eat raw or undercooked meat from an infected animal, they can develop trichinosis.

Symptoms of this disease include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness.

In severe cases, it can lead to death.

So if you’re ever thinking about chowing down on some raw groundhog, remember: it could be your last meal.

How Smart Are Groundhogs?

They may not look it, but groundhogs are quite intelligent.

For example, they have been known to use tools.

In one instance, a groundhog was observed using a stick to help him reach some food that was just out of his reach.

Not only that, but groundhogs are also good at problem-solving.

If they come across something that they can’t figure out how to get past, they will try a few different things until they find a solution that works.