What do Groundhogs Eat?

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks or whistlepigs, are small rodents found in North America. These animals are notorious for their hibernation habits, but they do need to eat in order to survive. If you’re ever curious about what groundhogs eat, here’s what you need to know.

Fruits, Vegetables, and Grains

During the warmer months, groundhogs prefer to eat vegetables and fruits, such as apples and corn. They are also known to eat grains, like oats and wheat. Groundhogs typically prefer to graze in fields or gardens, so if you live in a rural area, you may find that groundhogs have been nibbling away at your plants. Groundhogs also like to feed on small insects, like grasshoppers and beetles.

Roots, Bark, and Leaves

Groundhogs also feed on roots, bark, and leaves from trees, shrubs, and other vegetation in the wild. They often feed on the tender inner bark of trees, and they can even dig up grass and plant roots from the ground to eat. They have strong front claws that help them do this digging.

Insects, Slugs, and Worms

In addition to fruits, vegetables, grains, roots, bark, and leaves, groundhogs also eat insects, slugs, and worms. They use their sharp front claws to dig up worms and insects, which they then consume. They even eat slugs and snails, as well as their eggs.

Summary

Groundhogs are small rodents found in North America. They are most known for their hibernation habits, but they also need to eat in order to survive. During the warmer months, groundhogs eat fruits, vegetables, grains, and small insects. They also feed on roots, bark, and leaves, as well as insects, slugs, and worms. If you’re ever curious about what groundhogs eat, you now have a better idea.