Is there really an animal called a woodchuck or are they just groundhogs?

The terms woodchuck and groundhog refer to the same animal, scientifically known as Marmota monax. So, there's no distinction between them; they are just different names for the same creature.

The term "groundhog" is more common in the eastern United States, while "woodchuck" is more common in the northeastern and midwestern states.

So, whether you call it a woodchuck or a groundhog, you're referring to the same furry, burrowing rodent!