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Nature Documentaries

Groundhog (Marmota monax)

A common, larger rodent, hibernates and can be seen only after the last snow has gone and spring arrived. Groundhogs are used to civilization and build their burrows near houses.

Tadoussac - 2018-05-24
Location: Tadoussac
Date: 2018-05-24
Camera: NIKON D500
Lens: 300mm f/4.0
Settings: f8.0 • 1/1250 • ISO 560
Focal Length: 420mm
Parc Mont-Royal - 2015-08-23
Location: Parc Mont-Royal
Date: 2015-08-23
Camera: NIKON D7100
Lens: 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6
Settings: f5.6 • 1/500 • ISO 280
Focal Length: 300mm
Parc Mont-Royal - 2015-05-03
Location: Parc Mont-Royal
Date: 2015-05-03
Camera: NIKON D7100
Lens: 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6
Settings: f5.6 • 1/1250 • ISO 400
Focal Length: 300mm
Dorval - 2014-07-11
Location: Dorval
Date: 2014-07-11
Camera: Canon PowerShot
Lens: 4.3-215mm
Settings: f6.5 • 1/1000 • ISO 250
Focal Length: 215mm

Common Names

🇨🇦Groundhog
🇫🇷Marmotte commune
🇩🇪Waldmurmeltier
🇲🇽Marmota canadiense

Taxonomy

OrderRodentia
FamilySciuridae

Characteristics

Length40-65cm
Weight2-4kg

Identification and Whereabouts

Around Montreal, there are no similar species like Hoary Marmot, Yellow-bellied Marmot or Vancouver Island Marmot, so that identification of this species is simple.

I saw Groundhogs in almost every park around Montreal. Morning and late afternoon, look out for patches of meadows where they like to feed. Although, living close to houses, they will run into the burrow when you get close.

Location Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Jardin Botanique de Montréal - x - -
Parc Angrignon x x - -
Parc Michel-Chartrand x - - -
Parc de la Frayère - x - -
Parc des Rapides x x - -
Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park - x - -
Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies x - - -

"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.

Captured Moments

Videos are hosted on YouTube. Click on a thumbnail to watch it.