Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, can be a nuisance to homeowners and gardeners. They are known for their destructive burrowing habits and their voracious appetites. If you’re looking for a humane way to remove groundhogs from your property, live trapping is an effective option. Groundhogs are not aggressive animals, but they can carry diseases like Lyme disease and tularemia, so it’s important to take precautions when handling them.
To live trap a groundhog, you’ll need a cage trap that is large enough for the animal. You’ll also need bait, such as fruits, vegetables, or peanut butter. Once you have your trap and bait, you’ll need to find an active groundhog burrow. Groundhogs typically have several burrows on their territory, so you may need to do some searching. Once you’ve found a burrow, place the trap near the entrance and cover it with a cloth or leaves. Check the trap regularly, and if you’ve caught a groundhog, release it at least five miles away from your home.
Live trapping is a safe and effective way to remove groundhogs from your property. However, it’s important to remember that groundhogs are wild animals, and they should be treated with respect. If you’re not comfortable handling a groundhog, it’s best to call a professional wildlife removal service.
Identifying Groundhog Burrows and Den Sites
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are large rodents that create extensive burrow systems. These burrows provide shelter, protection, and a place to raise young. Identifying groundhog burrows and den sites is essential for effective trapping and control.
Burrow Characteristics
Groundhog burrows typically consist of two entrances: a primary entrance and a secondary emergency escape route. The primary entrance is usually larger and often has a mound of excavated soil around it. The secondary entrance is smaller and may be hidden by vegetation or debris.
Burrows are typically 6-10 feet deep and can extend up to 60 feet in length. They have a central chamber where the groundhogs nest and raise their young, as well as side tunnels for escape and hibernation.
Den Sites
Groundhogs also utilize den sites for shelter and protection. These sites can include abandoned burrows, rock crevices, woodpiles, or even beneath buildings. Den sites are often used during the winter months for hibernation or during periods of extreme heat or cold.
Locating Burrows and Den Sites
Several methods can be used to locate groundhog burrows and den sites:
- Visual Inspection: Walk around the area and look for signs of burrow entrances, such as mounds of soil, holes in the ground, or flattened vegetation.
- Footprints: Groundhogs leave behind distinct footprints that can be identified by their large size and five toes. Look for footprints near potential burrow entrances.
- Camera Traps: Set up motion-activated cameras near potential burrow entrances or den sites to capture images of groundhogs entering or leaving.
- Trail Cameras: Place trail cameras along trails or areas where groundhogs are known to travel to monitor their activity patterns.
- Thermal Imaging: Thermal imaging cameras can detect the heat signatures of groundhogs inside burrows or den sites, making them easier to identify.
Mapping Burrow Systems
Once a burrow system has been identified, it is essential to map it out. This will help you determine the best placement for traps and prevent the groundhogs from escaping.
To map a burrow system, follow these steps:
- Use a Probe: Insert a long, thin probe into the burrow entrances to determine the direction and depth of the tunnels.
- Mark Entrances: Place stakes or flags at each burrow entrance to mark their locations.
- Diagram the System: Draw a diagram of the burrow system based on the information gathered from the probing and marking.
Additional Considerations
When identifying groundhog burrows and den sites, keep the following in mind:
- Groundhogs often reuse old burrows, so even if you don’t see signs of current activity, it is still possible that a burrow is inhabited.
- Groundhogs are territorial and will defend their burrows aggressively. Approach burrows with caution.
- Once a burrow system has been identified, monitor it for activity before setting traps. This will help ensure that you are targeting active burrows.
- It is illegal in some areas to trap groundhogs without a permit. Check local regulations before taking any action.
