What Happens When You Relocate A Groundhog?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Relocation and release of woodchucks is not recommended because the chance of survival is poor. If the animal is released, it should be relocated

at least five miles away from the trap site

and in an area of suitable habitat where it is unlikely to cause damage problems.

Can groundhogs be relocated?

Once you have trapped the groundhog it is important to relocate it

to a new home in a field, meadow or wooded area

that is at least 20 miles away from your home so they don’t find their way back. You can call the local wildlife and game office to offer some suggestions on where to take them.

Do groundhogs return home?

While they prefer forested areas, groundhogs are highly adaptable and

will keep coming back to landscapes

where food and cover is plentiful.

How much does it cost to relocate a groundhog?

It costs

between $150 and $200

to have groundhogs professionally removed. However, there are many variables involved that can increase costs, and prices may be higher or lower depending on where you live. You should contact a groundhog removal professional near you for a personalized quote.

What to do with a groundhog after trapping?

After trapping the Tennessee groundhog, you should

cover it using a cloth sheet

and this will help to calm the animal down and you will start the business of transporting it. To release the groundhog, you have to choose wooded area away from the property so that it will not be able to return.

How far do you have to go to relocate a groundhog?

If relocating your groundhog, do so

at least 5 miles away from your property

. Choose an area that provides cover so that your groundhog will not want to travel far to make a new home. Though groundhogs are not generally aggressive, one might attack if it feels threatened.

Do groundhogs poop in their den?

“They actually poop underground. … In their burrows system they have an area where they go to the bathroom,” MacGowan said. In fact, their burrows are quite extensive and groundhogs have been known to tunnel as far as three or four feet deep.

What smell do groundhogs hate?


Lavender

– Try planting some lavender around the garden. While it smells lovely to us, groundhogs find it offensive and avoid the areas where it is. They also dislike the smell of these herbs: basil, chives, lemon balm, mint, sage, thyme, rosemary, and oregano.

How do you keep groundhogs from coming back?

Deter With

Garlic and Pepper

Groundhogs hate the smell of garlic and pepper. To deter them from ever returning to your garden, crush some garlic and pepper and throw it into their burrows. Do this day after day until they flee. You can also make a garlic and pepper spray to spray your vegetables.

How long does a groundhog live?

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.

Do groundhogs have two holes?


Groundhogs often have two separate burrows

, one for summer (grassy field area) and one for winter (wooded area). During the approximately three month hibernation period, groundhogs enter their winter burrows which have only one entrance. … Summer burrows have multiples entrances with a mound of soil next to them.

What do I put in a live trap to catch a groundhog?

Some of the most successful vegetables that can be used as groundhog bait include

peas, lettuce sweetcorn and string beans

, while fruits such as cantaloupe, strawberries and beaches are also popular. These should be left in the trap in a position where the animal has to trigger the trap in order to reach the bait.

Does Irish Spring soap keep groundhogs away?

Dial deodorant soap, and Irish Spring soap contains “tallow” which repels deer. … Drill holes in the soap so that you can run a string through the soap to hang them from trees, or the fence erected to get rid of groundhogs.

Plan on one bar of soap for every three feet

.

Can you catch a groundhog in a live trap?

The best way to catch a groundhog is with a live, or no-kill, trap. These can be

found in home and garden stores in your neighborhood

. A popular brand of live traps is “Havahart”. These no-kill traps allow you to catch the groundhog in a humane way and relocate them far away from your home.

Do groundhogs come out at night?

Many people believe that groundhogs come out of their dens during the night and look for food at night only. However, this is

false, groundhogs are not nocturnal

. In fact, they are very active during the day, but they still roam outside their dens in the night.

Do groundhogs ever abandon their burrows?

Fall and Winter: From mid-October through February,

groundhogs remain in their burrows as they hibernate

. … Second, spring marks the mating season during March and April as males seek out the burrows of nearby females. Groundhogs will be most active and noticeable during this time.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.