Woodchucks

(The Caddy Shack should have consulted with WDC )

Woodchucks also known as groundhogs, have a great reputation as being difficult to control. While it is true woodchucks can be difficult to trap, this fact is primarily due to the laws in various states rather than any inherent intelligence on the part of the woodchuck.

Description-

A stocky four legged ground animal. Face is pudgy with a large nose and a black tail. Has been known to climb trees up to 10 feet high. Weight: 7-12 pounds.

Life-Cycle

Hibernation: November-February

Breeding Season: Mating takes place in March.

Young disperse to new territory in July.

Activity: Daytime (But hibernates between November and February).

Habitat-

Open fields and broken forests with well drained soil. Will live under decks, sheds etc.

Q. How long does it take for a woodchuck to take over a fox den?

A. I don't believe woodchucks have much fear of the scent of Fox's.I have even caught woodchucks in using fox gland lure and Fox urine. And I also remember a story from Susan Green of about woodchucks climbing into her fox pen on more than one occasion. In short, 24 hours. Trapper Forever, Michael V. Page

A. I have seen Red Fox and Cottontail rabbits sharing the same den area, using different entrances.
Tim Julien Pres. of NWCOA.

Click here for detailed information on Woodchuck Damage Control

House Damage-

Woodchucks (aka groundhogs, whistlepigs, gophers) can on some occasions cdamage homes and structures by the way they remove dirt from along the foundation of these structures. I have personally seen a woodchuck dig a hole under a concrete home slab so that it had a hole on both sides. While this digging is not a huge problem in terms of numbers, it can be a huge problem in terms of dollars.

Woodchucks can also undermine pools.

Landscape Damage

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, have a great reputation among gardeners. Even the hit movie "The Caddy Shack" illustrated their reputation as being impossible to control. Woodchucks can literally mow a garden. Chances are you may have heard about various chemicals to keep woodchucks away from your garden or property. Think long and hard about using repellents around plants that you intend to eat. I would strongly recommend that you NEVER use repellents in areas where you eat the plants that grow there.

7/4/02