Beaver vs Groundhog: Key Differences Every Homeowner Should Know

Beavers and groundhogs are often confused with each other, but they’re very different animals with distinct habits and impacts on your property. If you’re trying to figure out which one is causing problems in your yard—or you’re just curious—this guide breaks it all down in simple terms.

What’s the Main Difference Between a Beaver and a Groundhog?

Beavers are large, aquatic rodents known for building dams, while groundhogs are land-dwelling burrowers that dig tunnels in yards and gardens. Both are rodents, but they live in different environments, behave differently, and cause very different types of property damage.

How Can You Tell If It’s a Groundhog or a Beaver?

Location and behavior are the biggest clues. Beavers will always be near water. Groundhogs, on the other hand, make their homes in dry ground, often under decks or in gardens.

Here’s a quick checklist:

• Seeing tunnels or holes in your yard? That’s likely a groundhog.
• Noticing trees chewed down near water? That’s the work of a beaver.
• Activity during daylight hours? Probably a groundhog.
• Muddy trails leading into water with stick structures? Almost certainly a beaver.

If you’re still unsure, keep an eye out for their tails. A flat, paddle-like tail means beaver. A fluffy, short tail means groundhog.

Which One Causes More Damage?

Both beavers and groundhogs can be destructive—but in different ways. The threat they pose depends on where you live and what part of your property they’re affecting.

Groundhog Damage

• Digging burrows that weaken foundations
• Destroying gardens and crops
• Undermining fences and sheds

Beaver Damage

• Flooding land with dam construction
• Cutting down trees near water
• Causing erosion and water flow changes

If you have underground holes in your backyard, it’s a groundhog. If trees near a creek are being chewed and water levels are changing, a beaver is likely to blame.

Can You Remove Beavers and Groundhogs the Same Way?

No, removal methods are different because of their habitats and behaviors. Beavers are often protected by local wildlife laws, while groundhogs are easier to manage with fencing, traps, and repellents.

How to Deal with Groundhogs

• Use scent repellents like garlic or ammonia
• Install fencing around gardens and sheds
• Trap and relocate (check legal rules first)
• Call a professional for deep burrow removal

If you’re wondering how much it might cost to remove a groundhog, use this groundhog control cost calculator to get an instant estimate.

How to Deal with Beavers

• Install water flow devices to manage flooding
• Wrap trees in mesh to prevent chewing
• Remove dams only with professional help
• Contact local wildlife authorities for relocation

Beaver problems can be tricky. Many states require permits or professional intervention. Don’t try to remove them without checking local regulations first.

Do Beavers or Groundhogs Hibernate?

Only groundhogs hibernate. Beavers stay active through winter. They continue to eat stored food and maintain their lodges even when water freezes over.

Groundhogs, on the other hand, hibernate from fall through early spring. They dig deep into the earth, slow their heart rate, and sleep through the cold season.

Can They Coexist in the Same Area?

Beavers and groundhogs can live in the same general area, but not usually side-by-side. Because they need different habitats—wetland vs. dry land—they won’t compete for space. But if your property has both wooded areas and water, it’s not impossible to have both.

This makes it even more important to correctly identify which pest you’re dealing with. Use this pest calculator to plan your next steps if you’re unsure what kind of help you need.

Which One Is More Dangerous?

Neither beavers nor groundhogs are typically dangerous to humans—but they can be aggressive if cornered. The real danger lies in property damage, not direct attacks.

• Beavers: May become aggressive near dams or when protecting young
• Groundhogs: Usually flee but can bite if threatened

Don’t try to handle either animal with bare hands. Use traps, repellents, or call pest control if needed.

Conclusion: Know the Difference to Act Smart

Beavers and groundhogs may look alike at a glance, but they’re very different animals. Beavers are builders of wetlands; groundhogs are backyard burrowers. Knowing which one you’re dealing with helps you choose the right prevention and removal methods.

If you’re struggling to figure out which pest is causing problems or want to know what removal might cost, check out this pest control calculator for a fast and accurate estimate.

Act now, protect your home, and don’t let either critter get too comfortable on your property.