The groundhog (Marmota monax), also known as the woodchuck or whistlepig, is a solitary species of marmot native to Eastern North America. These animals have no problem living right around humans, and you might see that one has dug a burrow and moved right into your own backyard. Groundhogs are pretty common animals. In the wild, they can live up to six years. In captivity, groundhogs reportedly live up to 14 years. Groundhogs are great diggers. Their upper body is pretty strong, and has to be,