Groundhogs live underground, in dens they create themselves. They will choose to create dens where there is sufficient food source. Wherever there is abundant amount of food, such as Wisconsin gardens, yards with green grass, vegetables and fruits in orchards and gardens, cornfields-these are all attractive locations and reliable food source where they will dug their den and make their home. This can in many cases be in, under, or near the human home simply because the food source is nearby. Human home will easily and quickly be chosen for a den base because it is easy accessible: sheds, low-lying porches and easily accessible foundation vents-these are all attractive entrance for the creation of den. Because people urbanize more, it is no wonder that Milwaukee groundhogs adapt and easily accept to live in urban areas. People are creating food for groundhogs, so they don't have problem to live in urban areas.

When it comes to creation of den, they will bury in the grounds where there are no stones as well as too much water. Swamp or otherwise too damp land is not appropriate for Wisconsin groundhogs, as the drainage wouldn't be good-they like for their shelter to be dry and warm. The usual locations where you can find groundhog shelters are near the fences and borders of fields (cornfields, hays), gardens, orchards, vegetable fields. These are locations where they can find sufficient amount of tasty food while at the same time lush vegetation provides excellent cover for the entrance to their home. Their dens usually have two entrances/exits: main entrance and side entrances. Main entrance is usually easy to locate, as the dirt around the hole is exposed and slightly elevated so groundhog can observe surroundings and enjoy in sun. Fresh and loose dirt around the entrance hole is a sign that Milwaukee groundhog is using the den, while if there is grass growing around the entrance, you can be sure that this den is no longer in use.

Side entrances to den are better covered because they are safety exits, so they are quite difficult to locate. The Wisconsin den itself consists of at least two separate rooms located about 3-5 feet under the surface, which are connected by hallways. In general den hallways can be quite long and their connection to exits can be anywhere from 10 to 50 feet long.

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