{"id":73569,"date":"2022-04-22T04:04:50","date_gmt":"2022-04-22T04:04:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/"},"modified":"2022-04-22T04:04:50","modified_gmt":"2022-04-22T04:04:50","slug":"do-groundhogs-bite-humans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/","title":{"rendered":"Do groundhogs bite humans?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#Do_groundhogs_bite_humans\" title=\"Do groundhogs bite humans?\">Do groundhogs bite humans?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#Why_is_it_called_a_woodchuck\" title=\"Why is it called a woodchuck?\">Why is it called a woodchuck?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#Is_groundhog_aggressive\" title=\"Is groundhog aggressive?\">Is groundhog aggressive?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#Are_groundhogs_aggressive_towards_humans\" title=\"Are groundhogs aggressive towards humans?\">Are groundhogs aggressive towards humans?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#Are_groundhogs_friendly\" title=\"Are groundhogs friendly?\">Are groundhogs friendly?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#What_happens_if_a_groundhog_bites_you\" title=\"What happens if a groundhog bites you?\">What happens if a groundhog bites you?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#Do_groundhogs_bite_or_scratch\" title=\"Do groundhogs bite or scratch?\">Do groundhogs bite or scratch?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#Is_a_groundhog_the_same_as_a_woodchuck\" title=\"Is a groundhog the same as a woodchuck?\">Is a groundhog the same as a woodchuck?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#Can_a_woodchuck_really_chuck_wood\" title=\"Can a woodchuck really chuck wood?\">Can a woodchuck really chuck wood?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#What_is_the_real_name_of_a_woodchuck\" title=\"What is the real name of a woodchuck?\">What is the real name of a woodchuck?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#Are_hedgehogs_and_woodchucks_the_same_thing\" title=\"Are hedgehogs and woodchucks the same thing?\">Are hedgehogs and woodchucks the same thing?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#Can_groundhogs_get_aggressive\" title=\"Can groundhogs get aggressive?\">Can groundhogs get aggressive?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#Do_groundhogs_run_away_from_people\" title=\"Do groundhogs run away from people?\">Do groundhogs run away from people?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#Will_a_groundhog_fight_a_dog\" title=\"Will a groundhog fight a dog?\">Will a groundhog fight a dog?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#Are_groundhogs_scared_of_humans\" title=\"Are groundhogs scared of humans?\">Are groundhogs scared of humans?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#Do_groundhogs_go_after_people\" title=\"Do groundhogs go after people?\">Do groundhogs go after people?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#Are_groundhogs_friendly_with_people\" title=\"Are groundhogs friendly with people?\">Are groundhogs friendly with people?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#Can_you_pet_a_wild_groundhog\" title=\"Can you pet a wild groundhog?\">Can you pet a wild groundhog?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#Do_groundhogs_bite\" title=\"Do groundhogs bite?\">Do groundhogs bite?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#Are_groundhogs_good_to_have_around\" title=\"Are groundhogs good to have around?\">Are groundhogs good to have around?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#Can_groundhogs_bite_humans\" title=\"Can groundhogs bite humans?\">Can groundhogs bite humans?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#Can_you_get_a_disease_from_a_groundhog\" title=\"Can you get a disease from a groundhog?\">Can you get a disease from a groundhog?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#Can_you_get_rabies_from_touching_a_groundhog\" title=\"Can you get rabies from touching a groundhog?\">Can you get rabies from touching a groundhog?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#Do_groundhogs_come_out_during_the_day_or_night\" title=\"Do groundhogs come out during the day or night?\">Do groundhogs come out during the day or night?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/do-groundhogs-bite-humans\/#Will_a_groundhog_bite\" title=\"Will a groundhog bite?\">Will a groundhog bite?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_groundhogs_bite_humans\"><\/span>Do groundhogs bite humans?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Woodchucks have the ability to bite and scratch if they are cornered or threatened. They are generally docile creatures and <b>rarely, if ever, bite<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_it_called_a_woodchuck\"><\/span>Why is it called a woodchuck?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>They actually get their name from the Algonquin tribe of Native Americans, who originally called them wuchak. English settlers, in trying to use that word, likely came up with the name woodchuck. Depending on where you are in the country, woodchucks are also known as groundhogs, land beavers, and whistling pigs.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_groundhog_aggressive\"><\/span>Is groundhog aggressive?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Groundhogs, aka woodchucks, can be found in central and eastern US. Theyre actually <b>very aggressive animals and are known to burrow through yards and eat through gardens.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_groundhogs_aggressive_towards_humans\"><\/span>Are groundhogs aggressive towards humans?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Are Groundhogs Aggressive To Humans? <b>It is very rare for groundhogs to attack humans. However, when they feel threatened or when they feel that their babies are in danger, they may attack. A few cases of groundhogs attacking humans have been reported but injuries are not that serious.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_groundhogs_friendly\"><\/span>Are groundhogs friendly?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Family values. In general, groundhog social groups consist of one adult male and two adult females, each with an offspring from the previous breeding season (usually female), and the current litter of infants. <b>Interactions within a females group are generally friendly<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_if_a_groundhog_bites_you\"><\/span>What happens if a groundhog bites you?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Dangers of Groundhog Bites Groundhogs are known carriers of the virus, which causes <b>flu-like symptoms that progress into delirium, hallucinations, and insomnia. Rabies is fatal if left untreated. Woodchuck bites an also be quite painful and become infected without proper sanitation.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_groundhogs_bite_or_scratch\"><\/span>Do groundhogs bite or scratch?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Aside from rabies, <b>a bite or a scratch from a scared groundhog also carries the risk of infection or diseases. This includes a rare disease called tularemia, which can cause severe, flu-like symptoms. Groundhogs can also carry ticks, which themselves can carry Lyme disease.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_a_groundhog_the_same_as_a_woodchuck\"><\/span>Is a groundhog the same as a woodchuck?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>1. A groundhog by any other name. <b>Groundhogs are also variously referred to as woodchucks, whistle-pigs, or land-beavers. The name whistle-pig comes from the fact that, when alarmed, a groundhog will emit a high-pitched whistle as a warning to the rest of his or her colony.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_a_woodchuck_really_chuck_wood\"><\/span>Can a woodchuck really chuck wood?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>He found that, while <b>a woodchuck doesnt actually chuck wood, they do in fact chuck quite a bit of dirt when digging out a burrow. On a good day they can chuck around 35 cubic feet of dirt (or about 700 pounds).<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_real_name_of_a_woodchuck\"><\/span>What is the real name of a woodchuck?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>groundhog, (<b>Marmota monax), also called woodchuck, one of 14 species of marmots (Marmota), considered basically a giant North American ground squirrel. It is sometimes destructive to gardens and pasturelands. Classified as a marmot, the groundhog is a member of the squirrel family, Sciuridae, within the order Rodentia.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_hedgehogs_and_woodchucks_the_same_thing\"><\/span>Are hedgehogs and woodchucks the same thing?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Can you own either one as a pet? <b>Hedgehogs and groundhogs are two very different creatures from two very different backgrounds. They both have the word hog in their name, but they vary in size, diet, and lifespan.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_groundhogs_get_aggressive\"><\/span>Can groundhogs get aggressive?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Groundhogs, aka woodchucks, can be found in central and eastern US. <b>Theyre actually very aggressive animals and are known to burrow through yards and eat through gardens.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_groundhogs_run_away_from_people\"><\/span>Do groundhogs run away from people?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>People can peacefully coexist with woodchucks because theyre not aggressive and typically dont transmit diseases. But its usually the sheer size of the animal that is its undoing. A smaller burrowing animal like a chipmunk is more easily overlooked.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Will_a_groundhog_fight_a_dog\"><\/span>Will a groundhog fight a dog?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Groundhogs spend most of their time inside their burrows, emerging a few hours during the day to gather food. When they are out and about, <b>they do their best to avoid humans. If you happen upon a rabies-infected groundhog, however, it may attack unprovoked.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_groundhogs_scared_of_humans\"><\/span>Are groundhogs scared of humans?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Groundhogs, aka woodchucks, can be found in central and eastern US. <b>Theyre actually very aggressive animals and are known to burrow through yards and eat through gardens.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_groundhogs_go_after_people\"><\/span>Do groundhogs go after people?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Family values. In general, groundhog social groups consist of one adult male and two adult females, each with an offspring from the previous breeding season (usually female), and the current litter of infants. <b>Interactions within a females group are generally friendly<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_groundhogs_friendly_with_people\"><\/span>Are groundhogs friendly with people?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>People can peacefully coexist with woodchucks because theyre not aggressive and typically dont transmit diseases. But its usually the sheer size of the animal that is its undoing. A smaller burrowing animal like a chipmunk is more easily overlooked.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_pet_a_wild_groundhog\"><\/span>Can you pet a wild groundhog?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Much like ferrets, groundhogs are a no-go. In Pennsylvania, the state that celebrates Punxsutawney Phil every February 2, <b>taking wild animals and keeping them in captivity is illegal in most cases. So unless you have a handle on groundhogs raised in captivity, keeping a wild one as a pet is probably against the law.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_groundhogs_bite\"><\/span>Do groundhogs bite?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Woodchucks have the ability to bite and scratch if they are cornered or threatened. They are generally docile creatures and rarely, if ever, bite.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_groundhogs_good_to_have_around\"><\/span>Are groundhogs good to have around?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Woodchucks may not appear useful to humans, but they have their own place and identity in the ecosystem and should be acceptedand respectedfor that alone. They provide food for coyotes, foxes, weasels, badgers, hawks, and eagles.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_groundhogs_bite_humans\"><\/span>Can groundhogs bite humans?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Woodchucks have the ability to bite and scratch if they are cornered or threatened. They are generally docile creatures and <b>rarely, if ever, bite<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_get_a_disease_from_a_groundhog\"><\/span>Can you get a disease from a groundhog?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Groundhogs also carry fleas and ticks, which can pass on diseases like Lyme and Powassan to people and pets. Rabies: Groundhogs are known carriers of the rabies virus. If bitten by one, its important to immediately seek medical attention and be treated with the rabies vaccine.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_get_rabies_from_touching_a_groundhog\"><\/span>Can you get rabies from touching a groundhog?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You should always consult with your physician regarding bites from these animals. Depending on the circumstances, the animal may need to be humanely destroyed and the brain tested for rabies. Bites or saliva exposure from other larger rodents such as muskrats or groundhogs <b>may result in a rabies exposure<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_groundhogs_come_out_during_the_day_or_night\"><\/span>Do groundhogs come out during the day or night?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Are Groundhogs Aggressive To Humans? <b>It is very rare for groundhogs to attack humans. However, when they feel threatened or when they feel that their babies are in danger, they may attack. A few cases of groundhogs attacking humans have been reported but injuries are not that serious.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Will_a_groundhog_bite\"><\/span>Will a groundhog bite?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Woodchucks have the ability to bite and scratch if they are cornered or threatened. They are generally docile creatures and rarely, if ever, bite.<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents Do groundhogs bite humans?Why is it called a woodchuck?Is groundhog aggressive?Are groundhogs aggressive towards humans?Are groundhogs friendly?What happens if a groundhog bites you?Do groundhogs bite or scratch?Is a groundhog the same as a woodchuck?Can a woodchuck really chuck wood?What is the real name of a woodchuck?Are hedgehogs and woodchucks the same thing?Can&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"spay_email":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/73569"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=73569"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/73569\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=73569"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=73569"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=73569"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}