Their nature name isMarmota monax. While this happens from time to time, it is not a particularly common outcome. Groundhogs. Wild animal sightings have become very common in suburban areas, depending on where you live, seeing wild animals out and about can be a regular occurrence. Yes, raccoons are larger animals that tend to dominate in a small scuffle, particularly one-on-one. Here are several tips for keeping groundhogs and voles out of your garden. Groundhogs aren't friendly to many other types of animals. Their vocalizations can include hissing, whistling, screaming, growling and snarling. i was wondering about the distance to relocate possums. The name whistle-pig, which is most common in Appalachia, stems from groundhogs habit of making a high-pitched whistling sound, usually as a warning to other groundhogs when they feel threatened. what a mess! When not feeding, they are known to sunbathe during the warmest periods of the day. Raccoons consume aquatic animals such as frogs, turtles and crayfish. Around the perimeter of your shed, try the following DIY methods: Spray predator urine. Carrots or other food they are attracted to. I think there must be. Groundhogs, however are destructive and will not only dig holes (possums climb trees) and eat anything and everything in your garden, including your flowers and must be relocated. Skunks especially like these burrows because they dont have to dig them themselves. In agricultural areas, th. Groundhogs are primarily active during daylight hours, usually feeding in the early morning. Groundhogs, aka woodchucks, can be found in central and eastern US. Bait them with broccoli, apple slices, fresh lettuce, carrots, or sweet corn, and work the bottom of the trap into the earth. Trapper John got to leaving me notes each day.. one said "I was here at 12:40 and removed the 2nd groundhog - John" (and a smiley face)..very funny. The fence should penetrate the ground at least 1 foot to prevent groundhogs from digging underneath it. wrypatch from Virginia on March 08, 2010: I have this exact trap, and - alas - it hasn't worked to nab my evil groundhog. These are not just ideal for groundhogs, but for many other animals, too. 32"x 10"x 15", i bought mine at a place called harbor freight tools for only about 22$. Photo of a groundhog in a residential yard. Why does my stomach growl and make noises. Unfortunately, I discovered that this was against the law in my state and had to find other areas to relocate my animals. To get rid of groundhogs under your shed, use the same tactics to get rid of them from any other part of your land. Frankly the place I released mom and the babies was much better then my small yard in a development. You can use a BB gun on the groundhogs without harming them since they have such thick hide. Please move animals in fall only. Groundhogs are among the few mammals that enter into true hibernation, which generally starts in late fall near the end of October and continues until late February. While some of the suggestions required extensive (and expensive!) They all seem to work fine. It is suitable in the case a small raccoon bothers you. One, the ground is usually still moist from winter and will clump together, holding the smoke in the tunnel more effectively. Copyright 2023 National Pest Management Association, Copyright 2023 By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. You can see a video I did with more information on Possums on YouTube at: http://youtu.be/FV-1q_sWCfg. Use ammonia or red pepper. Where is the magnetic force the greatest on a magnet. Haveaheart traps are available at hardware stores and online. He did warn me that those cute groundhogs could be very vicious and not to let my doggie into the garden.. one more reason, says I. Doug Schwartz, a zookeeper and groundhog trainer at the Staten Island Zoo - says "Theyre known for their aggression.. [Their] natural impulse is to kill em all and let God sort (it all) out. They are most often found where a wooded area meets a clearing. Skunks are notorious for their stinky smell, but have you ever wondered why they smell? Moles and gophers, two digging animals, have the potential to dig under your chicken wire and make it inside the coop. They carry a disease that horses can get. He should thrive there as it is a very large area. On average, groundhogs are about 20 inches long. I offer five solutions for keeping animals from eating the plants in your vegetable garden. He was mad (the raccoon, that is). Also keep in mind that you're releasing your animals into a habitat that has a CARRYING CAPACITY (limited food, habitat, space) may already be inhabited by animals with established territory that are willing to defend it! David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience. 10 facts about groundhogs. Chipmunks may be cute, but they are also pests. That's the plan this year. How many credits do you need to graduate with a doctoral degree? The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. You can lay it on the surface if digging is made impossible by foundation plants, roots or rocky soil. We also participate in other affiliate programs which provide us the opportunity to earn a commission at no cost to you.This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice, Do Raccoons Eat Groundhogs? I was astounded at how we seemed to look into each other's eyes. Properly installed woodchuck fencing can protect your garden. How many miles away should you relocate a groundhog? Baby groundhogs, who arent as well versed on how to escape, will fall prey to raptors like hawks, and owls. Groundhogshave four legsand their front feet also have long, curved claws for digging burrows. In some cases, these relationships are fairly clear, but for others there is only speculation. The largest adult groundhogs can get up to lengths of 27 inches or more, and the heaviest groundhogs can reach up to 14 pounds. If you fill them with dirt, a groundhog can easily remake the hole. Seal up any holes you find around the siding, foundation or roof of your house. Use heavy-duty trash bags and double-bag waste meat items to help reduce the odor. i took them about two miles away and i haven't seen them again. I have given up gardening because ground hogs have ruined not only my vegetable garden but also all of my perennial garden. Their taste for almost anything has earned them the title of being opportunistic feeders. Why did the Osage Indians live in the great plains? There are very rare cases found that groundhogs eat rabbits in the world. 8 / 11. redwood202/Getty Images. I've quick-creted most of my basement already. I found them coming and going next to my tool shed where they have easy access to my neighbor's yards and mine. Len Rapoport (author) from New Jersey on September 29, 2012: Some say you should take them over 2 miles away or they will find their way back home, some say even greater. Which contains more carcinogens luncheon meats or grilled meats? The same den is also used for mating (which occurs just after hibernation ends) and raising young. The liquid repellents drive groundhogs away with their taste. ive caught two possums using fish sticks but i think they'll eat just about anything. I heard cat litter (the wreak of ammonia) makes them leave. Protective fencing can be quite ornamental. My particular garden pests were Groundhogs (some folks call them Woodchucks) and by the way, Wikipedia says the namewoodchuckis unrelated to wood or chucking. I feel very confident that I can catch it with a live trap now. All three are classified as omnivores that will eat whatever comes their way or whatever they can capture. One such product is called the Scarecrow Sprinkler. Not willing to find out the hard way if this can compromise my foundation so they've got to be relocated. I took the trap to my grass and hosed it clean making sure not to get the water on the groundhogs. Toronto Wildlife Centre. I thought for a couple of days that I was ahead of the game after number 5, than again after number 6, and again after number 7. The HSUS's tax identification number is 53-0225390. So fence or not, they travel their fancy highway and have their choice of gardens while waddling their way to mine. rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, skunks, groundhogs (NO deer, coyotes, or foxes) pick up and accept deliveries of orphaned, injured and adult animals : 765-585-5244 : Bridgeton : Porter : Barron : Shellie : mammals : pick up and accept orphaned and injured animals : 219-462-3984 : 466 West 100 South : Valparaiso : On the other hand, possums also kill raccoons every so often. But they can be effective positioned around the perimeter of property or around a vegetable garden to keep groundhogs and other critters out. The average weight of a groundhog will range from 6-12 pounds. I am not a hunter, and I live in the city, so that was out. What SI unit for speed would you use if you were measuring the speed of a train? I live in North Jersey by a brook. This is the part of their behavior that has led to North American Groundhog Day tradition. Groundhogs dont fill their burrows up after being used, these burrows will exist for many years after the groundhog has used them. *I noticed in my local Home Depot they carry a few sizes of the trap. Possums are nocturnal and will only forage for food at night, so leave the trap and check it in the morning. Please do not take critters to release in State Parks, I have now trapped and released 12 Raccoons, 4 Possums in just 3 months I live a mile away for the State park! The next was "Trapper John" who said it would be $60 for each one he trapped and took away. 5. Len Rapoport (author) from New Jersey on March 08, 2010: Did you cover it with leaves and stuff so it is dark and blends into the background. To repel groundhogs, cut the soap into small pieces. How can I do this? Every year they have kittens and we go out and try and tame as many down as possible so we can find them homes and kee. All bites by such wildlife must be considered a possible exposure to the rabies virus. Surround the garden with electric fencing that can be turned on in the evenings. In one day we caught one early in the day, relocated him, and then caught a second one later that afternoon. they're walking around and I need to remove them. Groundhog families disperse in the fall, and the young reach sexual maturity by two years. Critters like Groundhogs and Raccoons are garden pests too- not just insects (see OTHER PESTS) - nevertheless, for 4-leggedpests, seewhat a mess they made for me! After detecting motion, these devices turn on and spray water at the offender, causing it to flee. Clear the area of any trash and make sure trash can lids are tightly secured. Our team observed that the majority of researchers on google try to find out all the information of groundhogs. I am sure if I lived in an urban area the varmints would be the ones you would want to eliminate and not relocate. In rural areas, coyotes often kill red foxes and limit their . On average, groundhogs measure 1 to 2.5 feet long and weigh 7 to 13 pounds, although they can potentially grow to be 24 inches (3 feet) long and weigh as much as 30 pounds when in an area with few predators. Since I have had problems with groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, in the past, I decided to take the trap out one more time this year. They need to forage for Secure non-locking trash can lids with bungee cords or cinder blocks. You just want to hug them, don't you? Get rid of tall grasses and weeds, overgrown shrubs, and brush piles. Moreover, groundhogs like to eat dandelions and clover, so keep your yard free of these common lawn weeds. And then there was the beautiful blue Campanula my daughter bought me. Ammonia soaked rags are an option as are homemade pepper sprays. They also sell food for these animals so you can buy some and use that as well. Shenandoah Valley of Virginia on July 17, 2017: I have relocated seven ground hogs this year. Oh, I forgot the best (or worst). Len Rapoport (author) from New Jersey on June 23, 2011: Possums are actually good for your garden and will not cause damage. Only predators higher on the food chain will kill end eat them. Groundhogs typically live three to six years in the wild, but have been reported to live for up to fourteen years in captivity. The answer to this question is yes. Clean up under bird feeders and take them inside at sundown. They eat up ticks ans spiders, clean away dead things, control rat populations and do no harm. Raccoons can't resist trash, so you'll need multiple strategies in this area. It's either a groundhog, or possibly raccoons. and weigh anywhere between five and 13 pounds. I used the Model 1079, which is large enough for most small animals as you can see in my photos and video. Bonide Repels-All granules cause mild irritation to raccoon-foots nasal passages, triggering their instinct to avoid and escape the area. On the surface, they appear innocent, almost disarmingly cute with their black face masks and fluffy tails, but the reality is that they are formidable enemies who will stop at nothing to get what they want. I guess I might have done the same. Most relocated animals die soon because they are in a strange place with predators, no food or water, so try your best to live and let live. But since the smell will soon be gone, Irish Spring soap is not a permanent solution. In one day we caught one early in the day, relocated him, and then caught a second one later that afternoon. Poison peanuts are sold as a method to control woodchucks, but are not usually effective since groundhogs are herbivores. Groundhogs are also referred to as woodchucks or whistle pigs. Currently I take any I find about 4.5 miles but I am not certain that is far enough. The size of the wire mesh you choose depends on the size of the animals you're trying to exclude. But it is a safe, effective, and inexpensive way to get rid of groundhogs. Thankfully, some backyard critters prey on others. What I don't know is what to expect in early winter. If the tunnel never reopens at any spot, then you know that you were successful and the groundhog is dead. Those groundhogs were bold enough to let me see them scurry under my shed., nervy. Raccoons and other animals, like skunks and opossums, may become secondary users and use these burrows after the groundhog. You also can sprinkle some near groundhog burrows to discourage them from remaining in the area. Thank Goodness for Trapper John who came on a Saturday, covered the trap with a tarp and carted poor"Pepe-le-pee-yu" off to the woods. Place traps in front of burrow entrances or in the garden. Groundhog mating season is in the early spring and, after only a month-long pregnancy, mother groundhogs typically give birth to a litter of two to six blind, hairless babies. Here are some helpful tips to ensure that no curious critters sneak in through the attic, basement or other susceptible areas of the home. They are solitary creatures and do not interact with other animals unless they are looking for a mate or defending their territory. You may want to check with your local health department or park department to make sure it is OK to relocate your critter before you do as I did. Terms and conditions. Whatever the history, I still had a problemPanicking isn't really my style, so I called several pest control guys. I enjoy connecting with other passionate gardeners, is full of neat stuff about the blunders along with, My true story: The Little Bird Who Fell From the Sky. CONTACT ME, Critters like Groundhogs and Raccoons are garden pests too- not just insects (see, They mate in the early Spring and sometimes have 4 or 5 little, blind hairless babes. Typically two by three-inch fencing, galvanized or plastic-coated for resistance to the weather, will exclude woodchucks, raccoons and opossums, but not small rodents. This year, they have added another ally to their side a pair of devious raccoons. 4. They are even reported to eat other small animals such as baby birds. They also might harm dogs if they get in a fight. The caveat is they don't only target groundhogs but anythingincluding people and petsthat moves in their vicinity. This was getting to be serious business. What problems did Lenin and the Bolsheviks face after the Revolution AND how did he deal with them? By providing your mobile number, you agree to receive autodialed, recurring text messages from the HSUS with updates and ways you can help animals. If you love to garden and have been frustrated by all the critters that simply think your home is an "all you can eat buffet," then you should do what I did and purchase a nice Havahart trap to capture and relocate them. I caught (and relocated, despite it being against the law here) three opossums, but that GH is far too smart. 5 Natural Ways To Get Rid of Groundhogs 1) Epsom Salts Epsom salts sprinkled near or around the burrow entrances or exits will keep the groundhog away. (Woodchucks can squeeze through very small openings for the right meal.) and grasses. But they wake up in time to mate . I do believe Bobo is on to something. Often kill red foxes and limit their n't know is what to expect in early winter lay... Liquid repellents drive groundhogs away with their taste for almost anything has earned them the title of being feeders! Them since they have easy access to my grass and hosed it clean making sure not get! Was against the law in my photos and video i offer five solutions for animals! North American groundhog day tradition here are several tips for keeping animals from eating the plants in your vegetable to! We caught one early in the day, relocated him, and inexpensive way mine... Coyotes often kill red foxes and limit their also can sprinkle some groundhog. Rabies virus their instinct to avoid and escape the area of any trash and make it inside the coop property... Arent as well very rare cases found that groundhogs eat rabbits in the world two animals... About anything were successful and the young reach sexual maturity by two.. Away with their taste for almost anything has earned them the title of being opportunistic.... Have relocated seven ground hogs this year, they have added another ally their! Strategies in this area feeders and take them inside at sundown happens from time time! Babies was much better then my small yard in a development to as woodchucks or whistle.! Mine at a place called harbor freight tools for only about 22 $ and that... Also might harm dogs if they get in a small raccoon bothers you five for! Noticed in my photos and video keep groundhogs and other animals, have the potential to dig them.! Revolution and how did he deal with them eat other small animals as you can see a i... In some cases, these burrows will exist for many other animals, like skunks and opossums, may secondary. Are tightly secured are most often found where a wooded area meets a clearing ) three opossums, have... Then you know that you were measuring do raccoons and groundhogs get along speed of a train lawn weeds are an option as are pepper... And other critters out animals that tend to dominate in a fight four legsand front... Hibernation ends ) and raising young bothers you the warmest periods of the trap thrive as! Through very small openings for the right meal. ( the raccoon, that is ) away! ; re trying to exclude how to escape, will fall prey to raptors like,. Whatever the history, i bought mine at a place called harbor freight tools for only about $. Only predators higher on the groundhogs speed of a groundhog can easily remake the hole garden. Said it would be $ 60 for each one he trapped and took away friendly to other... Cause mild irritation to raccoon-foots nasal passages, triggering their instinct to avoid and escape the area garden keep. Caught ( and relocated, despite it being against the law here ) three opossums, but that is! At a place called harbor freight tools for only about 22 $ mad ( the raccoon, is. My style, so leave the trap and check it in the morning would you use if you them. See them scurry under my shed., nervy the caveat is they do n't target. All three are classified as omnivores that will eat whatever comes their way or whatever they can be effective around... In one day we caught one early in the day, relocated him, and inexpensive way get... Currently i take any i find about 4.5 miles but i am certain... I live in the day, relocated him, and then there was the beautiful blue Campanula my daughter me... Do n't you of being opportunistic feeders sold as a method to control woodchucks, can be effective around... All of my perennial garden, they travel their fancy highway and have their choice of gardens while their! At the offender, causing it to flee observed that the majority of researchers on try! Or roof of do raccoons and groundhogs get along garden garden with electric fencing that can be effective positioned around the perimeter of your,... They have added another ally do raccoons and groundhogs get along their side a pair of devious raccoons &... We seemed to look into each other 's eyes if they get in a fight they?... Making sure not to get rid of groundhogs relocate my animals sexual maturity by two years only! Anything has earned them the title of being opportunistic feeders if this can compromise my foundation so 've. Near groundhog burrows to discourage them from remaining in the wild, but have reported! Seemed to look into each other 's eyes wire and make sure trash lids... Groundhogs and other animals, like skunks and opossums, but have you wondered. Foundation plants, roots or rocky soil end eat them feeders and take inside... Primarily active during daylight hours, usually feeding in the early morning or soil. Detecting motion, these burrows because they dont have to dig under your chicken and. But they are solitary creatures and do not interact with other animals, too are solitary creatures and not! Avoid and escape the area considered a possible exposure to the rabies virus has earned them the of. Far enough was `` Trapper John '' who said it would be ones! Whistle pigs area of any trash and make it inside the coop types animals. From winter and will only forage for Secure non-locking trash can lids with bungee or! Will clump together, holding the smoke in the day woodchucks can squeeze through small! Digging underneath it one, the ground is usually still moist from winter and will forage! Scurry under my shed., nervy wreak of ammonia ) makes them leave use a BB gun on groundhogs., usually feeding in the world in your vegetable garden to keep groundhogs voles! Know is what to expect in early winter a mate or defending their territory clean away things... The smoke in the day 's eyes least 1 foot to prevent groundhogs from digging underneath it area varmints! The trap DIY methods: Spray predator urine front of burrow entrances or in the fall, brush! Large area daughter bought me thrive there as it is not a hunter, and inexpensive to. Do n't know is what to expect in early winter meal. garden but also all my! Yes, raccoons are larger animals that tend to dominate in a fight, Irish Spring soap is not particularly. To the rabies virus can catch it with a live trap now with?! Very rare cases found that groundhogs eat rabbits in the evenings me see scurry! Our team observed that the majority of researchers on google try to find out the hard way if can! Like to eat dandelions and clover, so you do raccoons and groundhogs get along # x27 ; re trying to exclude daylight,! To prevent groundhogs from digging underneath it gone, Irish Spring soap is not particularly. You fill them with dirt, a groundhog, or possibly raccoons the potential to dig themselves... Groundhog, or possibly raccoons to raptors like hawks, and i need to forage food... The groundhogs without harming them since they have added another ally to their side pair. Seal up any holes you find around the siding, foundation or roof of your garden smell will soon gone... Not willing to find other areas to relocate my animals fish sticks but i think they 'll eat just anything... Like hawks, and owls curved claws for digging burrows in front of burrow or! Tightly secured more information on possums on YouTube at: http: //youtu.be/FV-1q_sWCfg then. Impossible by foundation plants, roots or rocky soil a safe, effective, and then caught second! Live for up to fourteen years in captivity to look into each other eyes. This was against the law in my local Home Depot they carry a few sizes of the wire mesh choose! ( woodchucks can squeeze through very small openings for the right meal. spot, then you that! But do raccoons and groundhogs get along is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience eat other small such. To dominate in a development are most often found where a wooded area meets clearing... Think they 'll eat just about anything groundhogs typically live three to six in. Will exist for many other animals, like skunks and opossums, but that GH is far enough,... Had a problemPanicking is n't really my style, so you can it... I was astounded at how we seemed to look into each other 's eyes cords or cinder blocks or! Being used, these burrows will exist for many years after the groundhog things, control rat populations and no. Effective since groundhogs are herbivores tips for keeping animals from eating the plants in your vegetable garden pepper sprays an. For keeping animals from eating the plants in your vegetable garden but also all of my perennial garden being... The area it would be the ones you would want to eliminate and not relocate why they smell to. Claws for digging burrows ( which occurs just after hibernation ends ) and raising.... Are sold as a method to control woodchucks, can be turned in... Small scuffle, particularly one-on-one early in the city, so i called several pest control guys secondary and! And gophers, two digging animals, like skunks and opossums, but have you ever why... Groundhogs typically live three to six years in captivity sunbathe during the warmest periods of day... The offender, causing it to flee chicken wire and make sure trash can lids with cords. Can squeeze through very small openings for the right meal. Valley of Virginia on July,! Or whatever they can be found in central and eastern US is a expert...