Groundhogs (also called woodchucks) usually live about 2–3 years in the wild , and the oldest wild individuals reach around 5–6 years. In captivity, with protection from predators and steady food and vet care, they can live 10–14 years or so.

Quick Scoop

  • In the wild, most groundhogs die by age 2–3.
  • Maximum wild lifespan is roughly 5–6 years.
  • In captivity, they can reach 10–14 years.
  • Main limiting factors: predators, cars, disease, and harsh winters.

Why wild groundhogs live so “short”

Wild groundhogs face foxes, coyotes, dogs, hawks, and cars, so many don’t survive their first few years. Younger animals are especially vulnerable before they master burrowing and foraging on their own.

Why captive groundhogs live longer

Captive groundhogs get regular food, no predators, and sometimes vet care, which dramatically boosts their lifespan into the 10–14‑year range. That’s why famous “Groundhog Day” animals are often much older than any wild groundhog could realistically be.

TL;DR: If you’re talking about wild ones, think a few years , not decades; in human care, they can stick around for over a decade.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.