Where did term whistle pig originate?

The term "whistle pig" is a common name for the woodchuck, a large rodent found in North America. It's believed to have originated from the animal's distinctive high-pitched whistle-like call.

Here's a breakdown of the origin:

* "Whistle": Refers to the sound the woodchuck makes.

* "Pig": This part is a bit more ambiguous. It could be due to the animal's stout, pig-like build, or perhaps its burrowing habits which resemble those of wild boars.

The term "whistle pig" has been used for centuries, with its earliest recorded use dating back to the 1700s. It's considered a colloquial name and is often used interchangeably with "groundhog" in some regions.