A Guide To (Woodchucks) Groundhogs In New England
"How much wood, would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?"We all remember this childhood tongue-twister that included a cute rhyme about woodchucks. You may also celebrate or demonize woodchucks once annually as the critter either sees his shadow or not!These harmless rituals and tongue twisters can be fun, but you know what isn't fun about groundhogs, AKA Woodchucks? Finding one living either in or around your property. Here are some facts about groundhogs that can help you get to know these very large rodents.
Are Woodchucks And Groundhogs The Same Animal?
You may be surprised to find out that groundhogs and woodchucks are the same animal! They are also occasionally referred to as whistle pigs. Groundhogs are also a member of the squirrel family.
What Are Groundhogs?
Groundhogs are ground-dwelling herbivores that are extremely common in North America. They are prolific diggers, with short but powerful limbs and curved, thick claws. Groundhogs dig large, complex, interconnecting burrows.Homeowners may notice mounds of dirt or dug up areas around the yard. Groundhogs love places that are sheltered like under sheds, decks, porches, patios, or raised garden beds to name a few.They are true hibernators, meaning they bulk up in the fall and sleep from roughly October to late February. While the groundhog will occasionally snack on a grub or other smallish insect, for the most part they rely on grasses, fruits, and nuts to give them a rich fat reserve that will last through the coldest months of winter.
What Do Groundhogs Look Like?
Identifying features of groundhogs include brown fur, round body with a small bushy tail, short, strong legs with curved claws for burrowing, small, round eyes and ears located on the top of a flat head, and two long, ever-growing incisors.
How Do Groundhogs Behave?
These critters are diurnal meaning they come out during the day and sleep at night. Groundhogs eat approximately 1/3 of their weight in vegetation each day. Although they are considered herbivores, they sometimes eat insects (less than 1% of the time).In the summer and fall groundhogs increase their consumption to accumulate fat reserves, which they use to survive through their winter hibernation period. Groundhogs spend most of their time underground in complex burrow systems, which they dig in dry, well-drained soil.Most of the time groundhogs dig their burrows in areas with nearby covers such as fencerows, hedgerows, beside structures, home foundations or trees. This is where you may discover they have found their way into a safe place under your shed, home, garage, or foundation.
3 Quick Facts About Groundhogs
- Groundhogs are found in the majority of the central and eastern United States, as well as in parts of Alaska and Canada.
- The average size of a groundhog is 20" long with a 6-7" tail, and weighs 6-12 lbs.
- The average lifespan in the wild is 3-6 years, so if you have one in your yard don't put off having it taken care of.
Do Groundhogs Cause Problems?
The primary problem encountered with groundhogs involves their propensity to dig. They can and do move a lot of dirt, and when this digging occurs near a human structure, such as under a concrete deck, the absence of supporting dirt can lead to a vulnerable foundation prone to cracking. The secondary concern is the groundhog's appetite, and the damage it can cause to crops.
Signs of Groundhog Damage
- Wide teeth marks on wood, plantings, and the lower branches of trees
- Mounds of soil outside a burrow entrance
- Deep holes in the ground or lawn
- Damaged or hollowed-out crops
- Weakened building foundation (a sign of an intruding burrow)
- Chewed tubing, wires, or irrigation systems
- Groundhog tracks: five toes on the front foot and four on the back; generally profound claw markings
There's A Groundhog In My Yard
Groundhogs can cause major damage to farmers and home gardeners. They love to eat vegetables and leave the soil weak in areas where they burrow, resulting in damage to farm equipment and injuries to horses and livestock.In extreme cases, groundhog burrows have even been known to damage the foundations of barns, garages, or homes. In addition to physical damage, disease is also an issue that comes with groundhogs. Rabies can also be a concern for people who have groundhogs on their property. They are mammals, making them susceptible to the disease.
How to Get Rid of Groundhogs
For many homeowners, their first instinct is to fill in the holes or spray them down with repellant in the hopes that the groundhogs will move on to another area. This is both a dangerous endeavor and one that will lead to frustration.Groundhogs are very defensive of their burrows and could possibly bite or attack if they feel that they are under attack. Sealing the exits to the burrow won't work either, as these animals are natural burrowers that will dig out another exit without any fuss at all.Unfortunately, solutions are best if taken on by a professional like Pest-End Exterminators. Live trapping and relocation should not be done by an amateur. Call us if you have a groundhog problem and are looking for a safe, professional, and expert solution.
