Are There Groundhogs in North Dakota?
Groundhogs are found in North Dakota, but primarily in the eastern part of the state near Minnesota. This is the northwestern edge of their natural range. They are uncommon in central and western North Dakota. You may encounter them in pastures and grasslands east of the Missouri River.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
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- GBIF records
Yes, groundhogs are in North Dakota. Next you'll want:
Groundhogs are found in North Dakota, but primarily in the eastern part of the state near Minnesota. This is the northwestern edge of their natural range. They are uncommon in central and western North Dakota. You may encounter them in pastures and grasslands east of the Missouri River.
Groundhog Range in North Dakota
Groundhogs in North Dakota are concentrated in the eastern counties near the Minnesota border. This represents the far northwestern limit of their natural range. Areas around Grand Forks, Fargo, and Traill County support groundhog populations. The Red River Valley in northeastern North Dakota provides suitable habitat with its mix of grassland and cleared agricultural land. As you move west across North Dakota toward the Missouri River, groundhog populations become increasingly sparse. In central North Dakota around Bismarck and western North Dakota, groundhogs are rare or absent. The state's prairie climate and extreme winter temperatures are challenging for groundhogs, which prefer more temperate conditions. Groundhogs are adapted to areas with shorter winters and more moderate temperatures than those found in western North Dakota. The Devils Lake region and areas east of it may have scattered groundhog populations. If you visitwildlife destinations in North Dakota, groundhogs are more likely in the eastern part of the state.
Seasonal Activity in North Dakota
In North Dakota, groundhogs emerge from hibernation in April, later than in more southern states. Spring arrival depends on weather, with late springs delaying emergence. They are active from May through October in North Dakota, a shorter season than in warmer states. Summer months from June through August are when groundhogs are most frequently seen above ground. Activity peaks in mid-summer when juveniles are first appearing above ground. By September, groundhogs begin spending more time in their burrows preparing for hibernation. October typically marks the end of above-ground activity as temperatures drop and food becomes scarce. Hibernation lasts from November through March, a long dormancy period necessary for survival in North Dakota's harsh winters. The brief active season means groundhogs must feed intensively during the summer months. Understanding this compressed activity window helps explain why groundhog sightings are concentrated in just a few months in North Dakota. For more on groundhog in North Dakota, see ourNorth Dakota groundhog guide.
Identifying Groundhogs in North Dakota
Groundhogs are large, strong rodents weighing between 4 and 14 pounds. Their fur is typically brown to reddish-brown with a grizzled appearance from lighter-colored guard hairs mixed throughout. The body is stocky and low-slung with short, powerful legs built for digging. Adult groundhogs measure between 16 and 27 inches in total length including a short, stubby tail. When standing upright on hind legs, they reach approximately 2 feet high. Their face is relatively flat with small, rounded ears positioned on top of the head. Eyes are small and dark. Groundhogs have strong claws on both front and hind feet, with four toes on front feet and five on hind feet. Their coloring can vary, with some individuals appearing quite dark and others relatively light. In North Dakota, groundhogs may appear heavier in fall as they prepare for hibernation. No other North Dakota rodent approaches the groundhog in size and stocky build. You can also browseNorth Dakota wildlife.
Groundhog Habitat in North Dakota
Groundhogs in North Dakota concentrate in open grasslands, pastures, and prairie. They require areas with short vegetation where they can see approaching predators. Agricultural fields and pastures in the Red River Valley support groundhog populations. Roadsides and cleared areas along hedgerows provide suitable habitat. Avoid dense prairie with tall grasses, where groundhogs cannot monitor for danger. Suitable habitat also includes areas near human settlements where lawns and gardens provide food. Active burrows appear as mounded soil with entrances 3 to 4 inches across. Look for burrow entrances at the edges of open areas or in gentle slopes where water drainage is good. Burrows may have multiple entrances and can extend deep into the soil. Groundhogs prefer well-drained soils suitable for extensive burrow systems. In North Dakota,visit wildlife areaslike state wildlife refuges to learn more about suitable groundhog habitat. Most groundhog sightings occur in the morning or evening when they are foraging actively.
Groundhog Behavior and Ecology
Groundhogs are herbivores that eat grasses, clover, alfalfa, and garden vegetables when available. They spend much of their waking time foraging and can consume a pound of vegetation daily. In North Dakota agricultural areas, they can be significant crop pests. Each groundhog maintains its own territory centered on a burrow system and does not share territory with other adults except during breeding season. They communicate through vocalizations including high-pitched whistles, chirps, and teeth-grinding sounds. Despite their chunky appearance, groundhogs are capable swimmers and can climb when necessary. They are diurnal, meaning they are active during daylight hours and sleep at night. Most of their time is spent in or near their burrows. When threatened, they run quickly to the nearest burrow entrance. Their strong digging ability is central to their survival strategy in North Dakota. They depend on burrows for shelter from the extreme winter cold and from predators.
Safety and Coexistence in North Dakota
Groundhogs are not aggressive toward humans and will avoid contact when possible. They pose no safety threat to people in North Dakota. However, groundhog burrows can damage lawns, gardens, and pastures. They may occasionally damage building foundations if burrows are dug nearby. In North Dakota, groundhogs are classified as game animals but have no closed season, meaning they can be legally controlled year-round on private property. Contact the North Dakota Game and Fish Department for current regulations and guidelines. Relocation of groundhogs may be restricted, so check local rules before attempting to move one. Do not handle sick or injured groundhogs without protection, as they can carry rabies. Exclusion and live trapping are humane options for controlling groundhog populations. Poisoning is inhumane and may harm non-target animals. Most North Dakota residents coexist peacefully with groundhogs and view them as part of the natural landscape. Understanding groundhog behavior helps reduce conflicts.
Similar Species and Identification
Groundhogs can be confused with other rodents in North Dakota, but careful observation reveals clear differences. The thirteen-lined ground squirrel is much smaller, rarely exceeding 6 inches in body length, and has distinctive stripes running along its body. The Richardson's ground squirrel is also smaller and has a different color pattern. Muskrats are semi-aquatic rodents associated with water bodies and have a different body shape and tail. Prairie dogs are found in western North Dakota and have a different appearance including shorter ears and different vocalizations. Groundhogs are solitary, while prairie dogs are highly social. The groundhog's large size, strong build, and brown coloration distinguish it from all other North Dakota rodents. Young groundhogs in spring might be mistaken for larger ground squirrels, but their stocky build and short legs are distinctive. To learn more aboutNorth Dakota wildlife, consult field guides specific to rodent identification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are groundhogs common in North Dakota? A: Groundhogs are uncommon and found primarily in eastern North Dakota near Minnesota. They are rare in central and western parts of the state. Q: When do groundhogs emerge in North Dakota? A: Groundhogs typically emerge in April or May, depending on winter weather. They go into hibernation in October or November. Q: Can groundhogs damage property in North Dakota? A: Yes, groundhog burrows can damage lawns, gardens, and building foundations. They can also affect agricultural areas. Q: What should I do if I see a groundhog on my property? A: Contact the North Dakota Game and Fish Department for guidance on removal options. Live trapping and relocation or removal are typically used. For morewildlife information and resources, visit the state wildlife agency website.
Plan your groundhog sighting in North Dakota
40 verified groundhog records have been logged in North Dakota, most recently in 2025. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in North Dakota
- Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- North Country National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site · Find hotels
More places to see groundhog
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