Are There Groundhogs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, groundhogs are very common throughout Pennsylvania in all regions and habitat types. These burrowing rodents are permanent residents found from the northern border near New York to the southern border with Maryland. You'll encounter them in open fields, pastures, along roadsides, and in suburban yards.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
- 3,732
- GBIF records
Yes, groundhogs are in Pennsylvania. Next you'll want:
Yes, groundhogs are very common throughout Pennsylvania in all regions and habitat types. These burrowing rodents are permanent residents found from the northern border near New York to the southern border with Maryland. You'll encounter them in open fields, pastures, along roadsides, and in suburban yards.
Where Groundhogs Are Found in Pennsylvania
Groundhogs are found throughout all regions of Pennsylvania, from the northern tier near Lake Erie and the New York border southward to the Maryland state line. They occur in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania and throughout the Ridge and Valley province. Central Pennsylvania around the state capital region of Harrisburg supports abundant groundhog populations. The Pocono region in northeastern Pennsylvania has healthy groundhog numbers. The northwestern corner near Lake Erie and Erie County contains groundhogs in grasslands and cleared areas. The southwestern region around Pittsburgh and surrounding counties is prime groundhog territory. Groundhogs thrive in all portions of the state from mountainous terrain to agricultural flatlands. Major river systems including the Susquehanna River, Delaware River, and Allegheny River have groundhog populations in surrounding areas. State forests and parks throughout Pennsylvania contain groundhogs in suitable habitats. Groundhogs are absent only from the densest forests where clearing has not occurred. Pennsylvania's diverse landscape provides excellent groundhog habitat across the entire state, making them one of Pennsylvania's most common mammals. For more on groundhog in Pennsylvania, see ourPennsylvania groundhog guide.
Seasonal Activity in Pennsylvania
Groundhogs in Pennsylvania are active from late February through November. They emerge from hibernation in late February or early March as soil temperatures warm. March and April are breeding months when male and female interactions peak. By May, females are raising young in underground burrows. Juveniles emerge above ground for the first time in June and early July, providing excellent viewing opportunities. Summer months from June through August offer peak chances to observe groundhogs foraging in open fields and grasslands. Activity remains high through September as animals feed intensively to build fat reserves. October typically shows decreased above-ground activity as animals spend more time in burrows. By November, most Pennsylvania groundhogs have retreated underground for winter dormancy. Hibernation typically lasts from November through February, though the exact timing varies with weather. The famous Groundhog Day tradition on February 2 celebrates the anticipated emergence of groundhogs in Pennsylvania and nearby regions. Understanding Pennsylvania's seasonal patterns helps predict when groundhog sightings are most likely. You can also browsePennsylvania wildlife.
Identifying Pennsylvania Groundhogs
Groundhogs are large, distinctive rodents with stocky, low-slung bodies built for digging. Adult groundhogs weigh between 4 and 14 pounds, with females typically smaller than males. Their fur is usually brown to reddish-brown with a characteristic grizzled appearance from lighter-colored guard hairs mixed with darker underfur. Some individuals appear quite dark while others are relatively light in color. The face is relatively flat and broad with small, rounded ears positioned on top of the head. Eyes are small, dark, and positioned on the sides of the head. A short, stubby tail is usually hidden in the thick fur. Adult groundhogs measure 16 to 27 inches in total length. When standing on their hind legs, groundhogs reach approximately 2 feet high. Front feet have four toes while hind feet have five. All feet have large, curved claws visible and obviously adapted for digging. Males and females appear similar in appearance, though body mass varies. No other Pennsylvania rodent approaches the groundhog's size and strong build. See all of ourwildlife guides.
Groundhog Habitat in Pennsylvania
Groundhogs concentrate in open habitats where they can monitor for predators from burrow entrances. Pastures and grasslands are prime groundhog habitat throughout Pennsylvania. Agricultural fields provide abundant food and suitable digging conditions. Roadsides and hedgerows serve as groundhog corridors and foraging areas. Suburban yards with open lawns attract groundhogs seeking clover and garden vegetables. State parks and wildlife areas throughout Pennsylvania including Hickory Run State Park, Laurel Ridge State Park, and numerous others support groundhog populations in cleared areas. Open meadows on mountainsides in western Pennsylvania provide excellent habitat. Active burrow entrances appear as mounded soil with 3 to 4-inch diameter holes. Burrows are typically located in gentle slopes with good drainage. Burrow systems may extend several feet underground with multiple entrances and chambers. Groundhogs prefer soils that are well-drained and easily diggable. Edges between fields and forests are particularly productive for locating groundhogs. Early morning and late afternoon are optimal times forwildlife observationwhen groundhogs are actively foraging.
Groundhog Behavior and Ecology
Groundhogs are herbivores that spend much of their active time foraging for vegetation. They eat grasses, clover, alfalfa, clover, and any accessible garden vegetables. A single groundhog consumes approximately one pound of vegetation daily during active season. In Pennsylvania agricultural areas, they can be significant crop pests causing economic damage. Each groundhog maintains its own territory centered on a burrow system. Territories may extend 100 feet or more from the central burrow. They are solitary animals except during the brief breeding season. Groundhogs communicate through various vocalizations including whistles, chirps, and hisses. They have excellent vision and hearing allowing detection of approaching predators. When threatened, groundhogs retreat rapidly to their burrows. Despite their stocky build, they are capable swimmers and can climb when necessary. Groundhogs are diurnal, spending active daylight hours foraging and resting in burrows or above ground at night. Their powerful shoulders and front legs are specialized for excavating and maintaining extensive burrow systems.
Safety and Property Management in Pennsylvania
Groundhogs are not dangerous to humans and avoid confrontation whenever possible. They pose no safety threat to people in Pennsylvania. However, groundhog burrows can damage lawns, gardens, and pastures. Burrows occasionally threaten building foundations or create tripping hazards. In Pennsylvania, groundhogs are not protected under wildlife protection laws. Homeowners and farmers may legally control groundhog populations on their property. Contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission for current regulations and legal control options. Live trapping is a common and humane removal method used by many residents. Relocation may be permitted depending on specific conditions and local guidelines. Do not attempt to poison groundhogs, as poisoning is inhumane and may harm non-target animals. Never handle an injured or sick groundhog without protection. Groundhogs may carry rabies, so contact a professional if you encounter a sick individual. Most Pennsylvania residents coexist peacefully with groundhogs viewing them as a natural part of the state's wildlife area.
Species Similar to Groundhogs
Groundhogs can sometimes be confused with other Pennsylvania rodents, but key differences make identification straightforward. Ground squirrels including the thirteen-lined ground squirrel are much smaller, rarely exceeding 6 inches in body length. They display distinctive stripes running along the entire body. Eastern chipmunks are much smaller with characteristic facial stripes and body striping patterns. Muskrats are semi-aquatic rodents associated with water and have very different body shapes and tails. Beaver are much larger and create distinctive dams and fell trees. Porcupines have visible quills that groundhogs lack entirely. Groundhogs are brown, strong, and solitary. The groundhog's massive size, stocky build, and brown coloration are unmistakable in Pennsylvania. Young groundhogs emerging in early summer might be mistaken for other species, but they quickly exceed all Pennsylvania rodents except beaver in size. For detailedPennsylvania wildlife identification, consult field guides or contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How common are groundhogs in Pennsylvania? A: Groundhogs are very common throughout Pennsylvania in all regions and habitat types. Q: When do groundhogs come out after winter in Pennsylvania? A: Groundhogs typically emerge from hibernation in late February or early March, though timing varies by year and location. Q: Can groundhogs damage my property? A: Yes, groundhog burrows can damage lawns, gardens, and building foundations. They are significant crop pests in agricultural areas. Q: How can I legally remove groundhogs from my property? A: Contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission for guidance on legal removal methods. Live trapping is commonly recommended as a humane option. For complete information on Pennsylvania groundhogs and otherwildlife resources, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website.
Plan your groundhog sighting in Pennsylvania
3,732 verified groundhog records have been logged in Pennsylvania, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Pennsylvania
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chesapeake Bay · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Fort Necessity National Battlefield · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Friendship Hill National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
More places to see groundhog
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