Prairie Dog vs Groundhog: What’s the Difference?

At first glance, prairie dogs and groundhogs may seem alike—they’re both burrowing rodents, they live in the ground, and they can both create trouble for homeowners and farmers. But these two animals are very different in terms of appearance, behavior, habitat, and how they impact the environment. This guide breaks down everything you need to know in a simple comparison.

Quick Comparison Table

Physical Appearance: How to Tell Them Apart

Groundhogs are noticeably larger, stockier, and fluffier. They look more like a mix between a beaver and a squirrel. They have short ears, a broad body, and a bushy tail.

Prairie dogs are smaller and more slender, with shorter fur and smaller tails. They have rounder faces and are more alert in their movements.

Where They Live

Prairie dogs live mostly in the western United States in dry, flat grasslands. You’ll find them in places like Texas, Colorado, and Kansas. They form large communities called “towns” that can stretch for acres.

Groundhogs are found throughout the eastern and central United States, from Georgia to New York and up into Canada. They prefer wooded edges, open fields, and suburban yards.

Behavior Differences

Social Structure

Prairie dogs are extremely social animals. They live in large groups and communicate with chirps and squeaks. Watching them interact is like watching a busy neighborhood at work.

Groundhogs are loners. Outside of mating season, they prefer to live and forage alone. You’ll rarely see more than one in the same area unless it’s a mother with young.

Burrowing Habits

Both animals are expert diggers, but the complexity of their tunnels differs:

• Prairie dog tunnels can be over 30 feet long, with sleeping areas, nurseries, and even toilet chambers
• Groundhog burrows are simpler—usually a main tunnel with one or two exits

Impact on Property

Prairie Dogs

Prairie dogs aren’t usually a problem for homeowners, but they can damage farmland by digging up fields and eating grasses. Their tunnels can also be dangerous for livestock that might step into the holes.

Groundhogs

Groundhogs are more likely to be found under sheds, decks, or gardens in suburban settings. They can damage foundations, eat vegetables, and ruin landscaping.

Dealing with groundhogs? Use this free pest control calculator to find out how much removal might cost based on your area and situation.

Are Prairie Dogs or Groundhogs Dangerous?

Neither animal is aggressive by nature. But:

• Groundhogs can bite or scratch if cornered or handled
• Prairie dogs are more timid and rarely interact with humans

Both animals can carry fleas and ticks, and in very rare cases, diseases like plague (in prairie dog areas) or rabies (in groundhogs).

Which One Is Easier to Remove?

Groundhogs are easier to trap because they live alone and usually have fewer burrow entrances.

Prairie dogs live in massive colonies, making removal difficult. In some states, prairie dogs are protected or require special permits to remove.

If you’re dealing with an active burrow or pest issue, find out your best options and pricing using this pest control cost calculator.

Key Takeaways: Prairie Dog vs Groundhog

• Size: Groundhogs are much larger than prairie dogs
• Social Life: Prairie dogs live in groups; groundhogs are solitary
• Habitat: Prairie dogs prefer grasslands; groundhogs like wooded edges and suburban yards
• Burrows: Prairie dog tunnels are more complex and communal
• Property Damage: Groundhogs are more likely to cause damage near homes

Conclusion

Though they might look similar at first, prairie dogs and groundhogs are very different animals. Knowing which one you’re dealing with can help you better understand their behavior—and choose the best approach if they’re causing problems.

If a groundhog is damaging your yard or living under your shed, use this simple pest control calculator to estimate what professional help might cost. It’s fast, free, and helps you plan your next step.