Woodchuck vs Groundhog vs Beaver: What’s the Difference?

Seen a large, brown furry animal digging or swimming nearby and not sure if it’s a woodchuck, groundhog, or beaver? You’re not alone. These animals often get confused with each other, but they’re actually quite different once you know what to look for.

This guide breaks down the key differences between woodchucks, groundhogs, and beavers, helping you identify what animal you’ve spotted—and what to do if it becomes a pest on your property.

Are Woodchucks and Groundhogs the Same?

Yes—woodchucks and groundhogs are the same animal. The term “woodchuck” is just another common name for the groundhog (scientific name: Marmota monax).

They are often called by other names too, including:

• Whistle pig
• Land beaver
• Ground pig

No matter what you call them, they are burrowing rodents found mostly in the eastern and central parts of North America. Now, let’s bring the beaver into the comparison.

Quick Comparison: Woodchuck vs Beaver

How to Tell Them Apart in the Wild

Woodchuck / Groundhog

• Lives on dry land
• Digs large burrows under buildings, sheds, and gardens
• Has a short, fluffy tail
• Chunky body with brownish-gray fur
• Often seen standing upright during the day

Beaver

• Lives in or near water
• Builds dams and lodges with sticks and mud
• Large, flat, scaly tail used for swimming and warning slaps
• Much larger than groundhogs
• Primarily active at night (nocturnal)

If the animal is near water and has a flat tail—it’s a beaver. If it’s digging in your yard and has a fluffy tail—it’s a woodchuck (groundhog).

Do They Cause Property Damage?

Yes, but in very different ways.

Woodchuck / Groundhog Damage:

• Burrows under homes or structures
• Eats garden plants and crops
• Leaves large dirt mounds and tunnels

Beaver Damage:

• Floods property by building dams
• Fells trees and strips bark
• Alters water flow, which can affect ponds and wells

If you’re not sure what’s causing the damage, or you want to know what it’ll cost to fix it, use this pest control calculator to estimate the cost of removal based on your animal problem and location.

Can You Trap or Remove Them Yourself?

You can trap groundhogs with live cage traps and relocate them (where legal), but beavers usually require professional removal due to their size, aquatic nature, and legal protections.

Trapping Groundhogs:

• Use a 32-inch live trap
• Bait with fruits or vegetables (like cantaloupe)
• Place near active burrow entrances

Removing Beavers:

• Requires specialized traps or exclusion devices
• Often needs permits or coordination with wildlife services
• Can involve draining dams or altering water flow

Need help deciding? Try this pest removal cost estimator to compare options and pricing in your area.

Which One Should You Be Concerned About?

If you’re in a suburban or farm setting, groundhogs pose the bigger risk to your lawn, garden, or foundation. If you’re near a water source like a stream or pond, beavers may be your problem—especially if you notice rising water levels or chewed trees.

Either way, both animals can cause expensive damage if left unchecked.

Conclusion: Know Your Animal, Take the Right Action

To recap:

• Woodchuck = Groundhog: Same animal, lives in burrows, eats plants, damages lawns and gardens
• Beaver: Bigger, lives in water, builds dams, and causes flooding and tree damage

Correctly identifying which animal is on your property is the first step to protecting your land and home. If you’re unsure or want a cost estimate, use this pest control calculator and make an informed decision today.

Don’t wait for more damage—act fast, and stay in control.