Groundhogs aren’t what you think of when you think of dangerous animals. They are generally pretty passive and even a bit timid, preferring to avoid confrontation. However, they can be surprisingly fierce critters when pushed.
That is especially true when their safety or the safety of their young is concerned. If something threatens their families, they will fight to the very end, even if that means fighting something much larger than themselves.
Are Groundhogs Aggressive Animals?
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Not in most cases. These little guys prefer avoiding conflict with larger creatures and will not go out of their way to look for trouble. If a groundhog encounters a human or house pet, it will most likely choose flight rather than a fight. They will do this by trying to hide underground or running away.
While they aren’t aggressive, they aren’t totally harmless either. Even the most peaceful animals can turn aggressive if they feel threatened. Although uncommon, groundhogs attacking other animals and even humans aren’t unheard of. In almost all cases, it is because they feel threatened and consequently act in self-defense.
This behavior also applies to their babies, as groundhog mothers are more than willing to defend their babies if they feel threatened. Groundhog mothers are very protective of their young and spend much time caring for them. Because of how protective they are, groundhogs can be vicious to animals such as snakes which attack their nests, sometimes even killing them.
However, there are a few cases where groundhogs attack seemingly out of nowhere. They might just suddenly chase down or bite people who are minding their own business. More often than not, these are a result of rabies or other contagious diseases which make the little mammals more aggressive.
If you or your pet gets bitten or scratched by an angry groundhog, it’s important to immediately seek medical attention, just in case!
Will Groundhogs Fight Back When Provoked?
No animal, no matter how docile, will just let someone bother them. They will either lash out or flee. While they usually try to run away, groundhogs are also known to resort to violence if they feel trapped or threatened. Although not deadly, it can be a painful experience to go through.
One example of this was the Mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg, who was bitten by a groundhog, ironically during groundhog day. During the celebration, he attempted to lift the rodent in the air while it was sleeping, which agitated the little guy, who bit his hand in response until Bloomberg let it go.
Although painful, no one was seriously injured.
This is far from the first case of groundhogs attacking humans (or defending themselves). There are quite a few instances of groundhogs attacking humans for attempting to carry them or even getting too close, and a few cases even report them trying to chase away humans.
Aside from humans, groundhogs can also stave off animals like dogs, snakes, and even coyotes. Many groundhogs will try to fend off these predators if they corner them in their burrows.
Do Groundhogs Fight Each Other?
Groundhogs aren’t the most sociable animals and prefer to be left alone. That means they view strangers with suspicion, even if that stranger happens to be one of their own kind.
For the most part, groundhogs will stay in with their mates and immediate family, anyone else is an outsider, and they aren’t shy about making that clear.
Aside from larger animals, groundhogs can also feel threatened by their own kind.
Groundhogs are very territorial and don’t like other groundhogs getting too close so they will fight for territory, resources, or mating rights.
You can tell if two groundhogs are fighting because they will make a show out of it. The two rivals will chatter their teeth to make noise, sway their tails, and hop around to try and intimidate the other. They fight by biting, scratching, or trying to chase each other around.
How Do Groundhogs Fight?
Like many animals, these little fellas are not entirely helpless even if they avoid a fight, and they have the means to defend themselves in the form of their sharp claws and teeth.
Groundhogs use their sharp, shovel-shaped claws to help them clear dirt to create a burrow. While great at scooping up earth, these claws are also helpful in fending off predators. Slashes from them can be painful enough to cut skin and leave you bleeding.
Aside from their claws, groundhogs also sport a set of sharp teeth. The front teeth resemble beavers’ teeth and are constantly growing. Although made for gnawing through wood and plants, their teeth can cause nasty injuries when used against people or animals.
While they might not seem like much, especially on such a little guy, these claws and teeth can easily kill snakes and other potential attackers.
Lastly, although not generally used for self-defense, it is worth noting that groundhogs can have rabies which can be very dangerous if you get bitten.
What Does An Angry Groundhog Sound Like?
One way to tell if an animal is becoming aggressive is through the sounds they make; groundhogs are no exception. Their other nicknames are whistle pigs due to the number of sounds they make. These are usually to let other animals know what is going on.
When under distress, groundhogs will chatter their teeth together, especially if another groundhog is challenging them. Their most common sound is a chirping sound not unlike the ones a bird makes. They usually couple this with growls, shrieks, and hisses when angered.
If you hear a groundhog making this sound, it is them telling you to back off.
Will Groundhogs Try And Protect Their Young From Danger?
Although solitary animals, the exception to this rule is mother groundhogs and their babies, at least in the early stages of the baby’s lives. During the first few weeks after birth, the baby groundhogs are helpless, unable to leave the den or feed themselves. During that time, they are entirely dependent on their mother.
The mother cares for them, gathers their food, and protects them. The latter is especially important during the early weeks when they cannot defend themselves. Predators like snakes and foxes might try to make a snack of them. However, mothers are known to be fierce protectors of the nest, fighting off any would-be attackers.
Eventually, baby groundhogs become big enough to venture out in the world. Once that happens, they will leave the burrow and their mother behind. By that point, most groundhogs are old enough to care for themselves.
Author: Quade Ong
Hello there, my name is Quade. I have been a writer for three years but an animal lover for over two decades. I grew up in one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, which has given me the blessing of seeing all sorts of beautiful animals. Now I strive to learn not just about the animals I am from, but those all over the world!