Groundhogs vs. Beavers — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on January 26, 2024
Groundhogs are terrestrial rodents known for burrowing, while beavers are semi-aquatic rodents famous for building dams in waterways.
Difference Between Groundhogs and Beavers
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Groundhogs: Also known as woodchucks, are part of the squirrel family. Beavers: The largest North American rodents, known for their dam-building skills.
Groundhogs: Primarily terrestrial and excellent diggers, creating extensive burrow systems. Beavers: Semi-aquatic, adept at building lodges and dams in water bodies.
Groundhogs: Known for their role in predicting the weather on Groundhog Day. Beavers: Recognized for their environmental impact, creating wetlands through dam construction.
Groundhogs: Have a diet mainly consisting of vegetation like grasses and plants. Beavers: Primarily feed on tree bark, leaves, and aquatic vegetation.
Groundhogs: Hibernate in the winter, often in the same burrows they inhabit all year. Beavers: Do not hibernate but store food in their lodges to survive the winter.
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Comparison Chart
Habitat
Terrestrial, in burrows
Semi-aquatic, in lodges and dams
Family
Squirrel family
Largest North American rodent
Construction
Burrows in the ground
Dams and lodges in water
Diet
Vegetation, grasses
Tree bark, leaves, aquatic plants
Winter Behavior
Hibernate
Remain active, store food
Compare with Definitions
Groundhogs
Famous for its role on Groundhog Day.
The groundhog saw its shadow on Groundhog Day.
Beavers
A semi-aquatic rodent known for building dams.
The beaver was busy constructing a dam in the stream.
Groundhogs
Also called a woodchuck, part of the squirrel family.
Groundhogs, or woodchucks, are common in this area.
Beavers
The largest North American rodent.
Beavers are impressively large for rodents.
Groundhogs
A rodent known for its burrowing habits.
We saw a groundhog emerge from its burrow.
Beavers
Creates wetlands beneficial to the environment.
Beavers play a crucial role in creating wetlands.
Groundhogs
Eats mainly vegetation and plants.
The groundhog was feeding on grass near its burrow.
Beavers
Feeds primarily on tree bark and leaves.
We observed a beaver gnawing on tree bark.
Groundhogs
Hibernates during winter.
Groundhogs hibernate when the weather gets cold.
Beavers
Does not hibernate but stores food for winter.
Beavers stockpile food in their lodges for winter.
Groundhogs
See woodchuck.
Beavers
Either of two large semiaquatic rodents, Castor canadensis of North America or C. fiber of Eurasia, having thick brown fur, webbed hind feet, a broad flat tail, and sharp incisors used for gnawing bark and felling trees, with which they construct dams and underwater lodges.
Groundhogs
Plural of groundhog
Beavers
The fur of a beaver.
Beavers
A top hat originally made of the underfur of a beaver.
Beavers
A napped wool fabric, similar to felt, used for outer garments.
Beavers
Vulgar Slang The female genitals.
Beavers
Offensive Slang A woman or girl.
Beavers
A piece of armor attached to a helmet or breastplate to protect the throat or lower face.
Beavers
The visor on a helmet.
Beavers
Of or relating to a beaver or beavers
Beaver fur.
A beaver hat.
Beavers
Constructed by beavers
Beaver dams.
Beavers
To work diligently and energetically.
Beavers
Plural of beaver
Common Curiosities
Do groundhogs hibernate?
Yes, groundhogs hibernate during the winter.
What do beavers eat?
Beavers mainly eat tree bark, leaves, and aquatic plants.
How do beavers impact the environment?
Beavers create wetlands by building dams, which can benefit the ecosystem.
What family do groundhogs belong to?
Groundhogs are part of the squirrel family.
Do beavers hibernate in winter?
No, beavers remain active in winter and store food in their lodges.
How do beavers build their dams?
Beavers build dams using sticks, mud, and stones, often in waterways.
Are beavers good swimmers?
Yes, beavers are excellent swimmers and are adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle.
Can groundhogs swim?
Groundhogs can swim but are primarily terrestrial animals.
Are beavers social animals?
Yes, beavers are social and often live in family groups.
Do groundhogs cause any environmental damage?
Groundhog burrowing can sometimes damage gardens and crops.
What is the significance of Groundhog Day?
Groundhog Day is a tradition where the groundhog’s behavior is said to predict the length of winter.
What type of habitat do groundhogs prefer?
Groundhogs prefer open fields and wooded areas where they can burrow.
How big can groundhogs grow?
Groundhogs can grow up to 24 inches in length and weigh up to 13 pounds.
Are groundhogs solitary animals?
Groundhogs are generally solitary except during the breeding season.
What is the lifespan of a beaver?
Beavers can live up to 24 years in the wild.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
