what is a woodchuck

A woodchuck, also known as a groundhog or whistle pig, is a medium-sized rodent belonging to the marmot family (genus Marmota). It is common in North America, particularly in the northeastern United States, Canada, and Alaska. Woodchucks have a stocky body with short, powerful legs, bushy tails, and coarse fur that is usually grayish-brown with a reddish or yellowish cast. They weigh between 4 and 14 pounds and measure about 16 to 27 inches long, including the tail. Woodchucks live in burrows that they dig, primarily in fields, pastures, and edges of woods, and are known for their burrowing abilities which aerate the soil. They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on plants like fruits, flowers, grasses, and crops, but occasionally eat insects and eggs. Woodchucks hibernate during winter and are known to produce a loud whistle sound when alarmed.