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Waking up at sunrise, a long stretch, and a vigorous cheek rub in the dirt and on nearby shrubs are all part of the typical woodchuck (Marmota monax) morning routine. While the face rub in the dirt may seem strange, it is a critical part of a woodchuck’s world. Woodchucks are one species in the marmot genus and like most marmot species woodchucks are territorial, but unlike other marmots woodchucks are solitary. The oral scent glands located on the sides of their face are used to mark territorial boundaries and identify offspring and other kin when woodchucks encounter each other.