Habitat, Hibernation, Conflict with Farmers They dig burrows that can be 6 feet deep, and 20 feet wide. These underground homes can have two to a dozen entrances. All those entrances are why the groundhog is not a farmer's best friend. The holes can break farm equipment or twist a leg.
Most people don't like groundhogs, and some actively hate them. Farmers don't like them partly because they mow down young soybeans, hay, and even wheat and a single woodchuck can cost a farmer $50 or more, while a dozen or so can cause serious damage to their wallets.
To provide overhead stability for their underground cities, groundhogs tend to dig their burrows against structures – like your home, shed, or under your patio – and as a result, they can significantly compromise the structure of your property.
Groundhogs are usually on the poop-list of farmers and gardeners. Their burrows can injure animals and break farm equipment. They destroy crops, especially delicate greens. They will take one bite out of your prize tomato before moving on to the next 5 tomato plants to do the same thing.
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, usually are viewed as nuisance animals for homeowners and farmers. The major problems that they cause are the large holes they dig and the damage that occurs from this animal.
The primary predators of groundhogs are hawks, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, dogs and humans. However, motorized vehicles kill many groundhogs each year.
If you have a groundhog burrow on your property and don't have any conflicts with its occupants, let it be.
A few cases of groundhogs attacking humans have been reported but injuries are not that serious. However, in some cases, the injury can be fatal, especially if they carry rabies.
When digging, groundhogs help aerate soil. Roots, like all other parts of the plant, have to respire, taking in oxygen and emitting carbon dioxide. In unturned soil, roots deplete their limited oxygen while CO2accumulates, making it hard for them to 'breathe.
Groundhogs have sensitive noses, so use that to your advantage with some natural rodent repellents. Groundhogs detest the scent of garlic, lavender, basil, chives, lemon balm, mint, sage, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. They do not like the smell and sting of cayenne pepper.
If you have groundhogs burrowing in or near your yard, it means they're getting what they want there. Groundhogs tend to burrow near plentiful food sources, such as farms and gardens. They love to dig their way beneath fences and barriers so they can chow down on your flowers and vegetables.
Clover, grasses, Alfalfa are favorites, but they will also go for grains, leaves, bark, fruit from shrubs and trees, and many other forbs. They seem to love garden vegetables as well, though I don't think I have ever run into that problem luckily.
Groundhogs tend to attract rats and other small rodents who feed on them. They will also make their homes in the tunnels of groundhogs, so they may come into contact with these pests and carry diseases that can infect humans.
When groundhogs are burrowing and not hibernating, they might wreak havoc among your plants. Groundhogs have extensive burrows which may come close to your home and can be hazardous to animals and people walking in the area. Groundhogs may also gnaw on underground wiring which could cause electrical outages.
Woodchuck and groundhog are common terms for the same animal, the rodent with the scientific name of Marmota monax.
Groundhogs typically take shelter in woodland, farms and fields. In suburban areas, they may be attracted to parks and golf courses due to the shrubbery and grass. That said, they can also find interest in similar traits in your yard. This includes tall grass, excess weeds and wood piles.
Threats to Woodchucks
Predators of woodchucks include coyotes, foxes, and bobcats. They can also be injured or killed by vehicles. Like other mammals, woodchucks can be infected with rabies.
Because of their relatively large adult size and burrowing—not to mention climbing and swimming abilities—groundhogs don't have many predators aside from coyotes, foxes, domestic dogs, and, of course, humans. (However, baby groundhogs sometimes do fall prey to raptors such as hawks, owls, and eagles.)
Lifespan: In the wild, groundhogs can live up to six years with two or three being average. In captivity, groundhogs reportedly live up to 14 years. Breeding: Groundhogs tend to be solitary except in the spring when a litter of four to six young are born.
In the open, they are still likely to run, but if the dog is fast enough they may be forced to make a stand. Up close, they are an entirely different animal and will stand their ground and fight and would behave similarly to what they do in a trap, except that there is no trap wall between the groundhog and your dog.
Groundhogs are known carriers of the rabies virus. If bitten by one, it's important to immediately seek medical attention and be treated with the rabies vaccine. Tularemia: Groundhogs also carry tularemia, which is transmitted to them by insects.
Yet these nearsighted mammals play an essential role in the ecosystem by providing food for larger predators. Their burrows also offer shelter to foxes, reptiles, amphibians and others. Groundhogs need their beauty sleep. From late fall through early spring, groundhogs hibernate in their burrows.
Why would you assume that groundhogs (or any wildlife, for that matter) are any different? They feel pain, hunger, terror, love, defensiveness, and they know their OWN territory, and don't adapt well to a new territory, either. That's why it's illegal in VA to trap and remove wildlife.
Epsom salts are one of the best natural ways to discourage groundhogs from your yard. However, it is not the only solution that will protect your greenery without harming the rodent. John recommends growing unpalatable plants, such as wormwood, hot peppers, or catmint – a purple flowering plant with a minty scent.