If you’ve spotted a stocky, brown animal sunning itself near a fence row or darting across a Tennessee pasture in early spring, you’ve likely crossed paths with the state’s only true marmot. Knowing when that animal wakes up — and what it does in those first days above ground — makes every outdoor outing a little more rewarding.
Tennessee’s mild climate means its marmot emerges earlier than relatives living further north, and the timing follows a reliable pattern tied to warming temperatures and the return of green vegetation. Whether you’re a casual nature watcher or simply curious about the wildlife sharing your backyard, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about marmot hibernation and emergence in the Volunteer State.
Which Marmot Species Live in Tennessee
Tennessee is home to exactly one marmot species: the groundhog, also called the woodchuck (Marmota monax). The groundhog is a rodent of the family Sciuridae, belonging to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. You may also hear it called a whistle pig or a chuck — all names for the same animal.
The groundhog, being a lowland animal, is exceptional among marmots. Other marmots, such as the yellow-bellied and hoary marmots, live in rocky and mountainous areas. Those western species are not found in Tennessee. The groundhog is the state’s sole representative of the marmot group, and it thrives here precisely because it prefers flat to gently rolling lowland terrain rather than alpine slopes…