Woodchucks AKA Groundhogs

Groundhogs are the largest member of the squirrel family they can weigh as much as 15 pounds! They are mostly herbivores, needing to eat around 1/3 of their body weight (1 pound) of vegetation a day! Believe it or not- Groundhogs can climb trees!

A groundhog’s burrow is usually only 6 feet deep, but they can reach up to 50+ feet in length. They move around 700 pounds of dirt to create each borrow & Groundhogs have multiple borrows.  

Groundhogs are destructive. They can gnaw through underground electrical wires, plumbing and building foundations. Deep holes around foundations have been a leading cause of water damage. Structural damage to foundations, driveways and yards have also been attributed to groundhogs. 

 Usual hibernation is from October to March or April depending on climate. 

Groundhogs are the least easy animal to trap. They only want certain food at certain times, live vegetation, and are not curious like raccoons or opossums. Due to hibernation times, once they go away (hibernate) for the winter, they are no longer able to be trapped. They often then emerge the next year with two to six young! If you notice signs, don't wait! Call today!

Due to them having multiple borrows, at least a summer and winter den; it is important to not disturb the entrances so that they can be identified and trapped over sooner. Most burrows are a mile to a half a mile from the other dens. 

Want to know more about groundhogs and what we can do to help? Contact That's Wild!