Woodchuck

Stocky in stature, groundhogs have flat heads, rounded noses, short legs, diminutive ears, and, like squirrels, bushy tails. Including the tail, woodchucks reach lengths of up to 2 feet and weigh as much as 15 pounds. Fur color ranges from yellow-gray to differing shades of brown.

Groundhogs can be found in crop fields, meadows, pastures, near wooded areas, and even in weedy patches near roadways. Though they primarily live along the East Coast and into the Midwest, woodchucks also inhabit areas further south and as far north as Alaska. They live in burrows dug straight down into the earth. As diurnal animals, woodchucks spend several hours a day feeding above ground before returning underground to their protected burrows.

Are woodchucks known to enter homes or yards?
Woodchucks are voracious eaters, gorging themselves in spring and summer to prepare for hibernation in the winter. Gardens, crops, and landscape vegetation are strong lures for woodchucks. As such, they frequently enter yards searching for new sources of food. However, groundhogs almost never enter homes, as they prefer to stay away from people.

Do woodchucks harm people or property?
The feeding and burrowing behavior of woodchucks often conflicts with human interests. Their burrow systems leave behind excavated earth and holes that can be hazardous to farm animals and equipment. As rodents, groundhogs also gnaw on wood to sharpen their teeth, which leads to ornamental shrub damage. Since woodchucks gorge themselves during summer and autumn to store fat for hibernation, infested gardens may experience devastating losses. Additionally, groundhogs can carry diseases, such as tularemia and rabies, and serve as hosts to botflies, mites, ticks, fleas, and lice.

Exclusion tends to be the most effective method of woodchuck control. Since groundhogs are effective climbers and diggers, fences placed around gardens and crop fields should be at least three feet high. Wire deterrents installed below the fence line prevent the burrowing animals from digging under the fence. Block off areas under porches and decks to preclude woodchucks from burrowing and building dens under such structures.

Woodchucks can have enough of a negative impact on yards, gardens, and crops to warrant removal. Property owners should never risk trapping and removing groundhogs without the help of a trained wildlife professional, as the pest could be diseased or evasive. Wildlife specialists from Critter Control have the knowledge, training, and tools necessary for humane and efficient woodchuck removal.