Are Gophers and Groundhogs the Same Thing?

I have a rather strange question. Are gophers and groundhogs the same thing? This has become a point of debate at our home and we haven’t found any reliable information. We have a bet riding on this so I am hoping that you know the answer.

I don’t know which side you were on in your bet but groundhogs and gophers are not the same animal. Groundhogs are generally significantly larger and, though they are the largest member of the squirrel family, they do not store food for the winter, preferring to gorge themselves before hibernation. They come out of hibernation in the spring, thus Groundhog Day. Gophers are hoarders and usually have large , protruding teeth. While both are hairy, the gopher has no hair on its tail and is actually closer to pocket or kangaroo mice. The woodchuck is the most commonly seen groundhog.