While groundhogs may look like a cute and cuddly animal, they can in fact cause serious property damage if left unchecked. The animals themselves are not especially aggressive and pose little threat to humans in a conventional sense, even though they do have sharp claws and front teeth to attack if needed. Groundhogs will typically only attack if someone or something threatens their underground burrows, and will defend themselves and their young as needed. Even if the groundhog retreats to its burrows, it is a task best left to professionals to remove groundhogs from the property.
Of course, the reason why removing groundhogs from their burrows in a timely manner is so important is because the creatures can cause tremendous amounts of property damage in as little time as a day. While not a commonly known fact, groundhogs actually hibernate during the winter, and they do so by digging underground burrows. Groundhogs prepare for their hibernation season in October and November and will generally hibernate until spring arrives in March or April, staying in their burrows for most of the duration.
These burrows are often massive and wide-ranging, as groundhogs are exceptionally skilled diggers. They will remove hundreds of pounds of dirt when making their long tunnels, which often have at least two or three entrances, are buried multiple feet below the surface and can stretch for up to 50 feet across in length.
When groundhogs set up their burrows, their ideal locations include areas close to a food source, whether it be a tree, bush or home garden. Groundhogs are always in search of their next meal and are more than happy to raid a farmer’s large-scale crops or even a small, family garden.
Once the location is selected and the groundhogs begin to form their burrows, the potential for serious property damage occurs. When it comes to large-scale farming, groundhogs will disrupt the farming efforts by making the foundation and soil itself unstable. They can damage farming equipment and ruin crops, and are just as much of a nuisance for homeowners as well. The same level of instability in the foundation of a yard or home can be caused by one solo groundhog, making it imperative that the animals are stopped before they can cause damage.
Signs of Groundhog Activity on Your Property
Signs of Groundhog Activity on Your Property
Groundhogs may seem elusive, but they leave behind clear signs of their presence. If you suspect these burrowing rodents are on your property, watch for the following indicators:
1. Large Burrow Entrances
Groundhogs dig extensive tunnel systems, and their burrow entrances are typically large—about 10 to 12 inches in diameter. These holes often have a mound of freshly dug soil nearby and are commonly found near fences, sheds, tree bases, or decks.
2. Damaged Gardens and Crops
If your vegetable garden or flower beds are suddenly showing signs of damage, groundhogs could be the culprit. They have a strong appetite for leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables, often leaving behind half-eaten plants and trampled soil.
3. Chewed Wood and Structures
Groundhogs have sharp teeth that continuously grow, requiring them to gnaw on wood to keep them trimmed. If you notice chew marks on wooden decks, fences, or shed foundations, it may indicate a groundhog problem.
4. Unstable or Sinking Soil
Because groundhogs dig extensive tunnels, the ground above their burrows can become weak and unstable. You may notice soft or sinking areas in your yard, which could pose a hazard to people, pets, or lawn equipment.
5. Groundhog Sightings
Perhaps the most obvious sign is spotting a groundhog roaming your property. These animals are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, often seen foraging for food near their burrows.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action quickly before the damage worsens. Contact a professional wildlife removal service like Shumaker to safely and effectively handle the problem.
If you notice groundhogs near or on your property, call the experts at Shumaker Animal Control to deal with the problem for you. Our experienced team will take care of the problem in a timely manner, ensuring that your home and property will not be damaged any further by the groundhogs.
At Shumaker Animal Control, we are a family-owned business who cares about the safety of you and your family but also about the well-being of the animals themselves. All of our trapping and control methods are humane, as we never try to hurt the angry or scared animal. Please contact us via our website or call us at (443) 854-8072 for more information.
