Groundhog Burrow Project

Problems

• Groundhog burrow projects conducted by the Humane Society of the United States reveal the major issues with groundhogs are the holes left in the earth and tunneling new burrows. Horses left to pasture in areas with groundhog burrows are at risk of breaking a leg. Additionally, root systems of plants such as soybeans can be damaged by burrowing groundhogs. While there are no chemicals approved for groundhog removal, several effective humane techniques are available.

Temporary Solutions

• Because groundhogs feed relatively close to their burrow, temporary solutions can deter feeding and encourage the groundhog to relocate to another burrow. Attaching a silver, reflective helium balloon or inflated beach ball near the den can discourage den occupancy. Shiny CDs and clearing the high vegetation around the burrow will deter groundhogs from reoccupying a den that has been vacant over the summer. Trapping a resident groundhog does not solve the problem because it only leaves the den open to another occupant.

Long-Term Solutions

• Groundhog burrowing projects have led to humane long-term solutions that prevent groundhogs from entering into and tunneling under gardens. The Humane Society of the United States suggests placing chicken wire fencing around gardens as well as laying and burying a 3-by-3-foot piece of chicken wire over burrow entrances. Other solutions include disrupting the burrow by digging around the den opening. If there are groundhogs on the property, but they are not creating a problem let them be, as they are not likely to travel far from their den site.

Considerations

• It is inhumane to close a groundhog burrow while a mother and kittens occupy it. The Humane Society groundhog burrow project shows that it is best to close or disrupt a burrow from early July to late September to prevent disrupting a family, as well as to allow ample time for the groundhog to find a more suitable place to burrow before winter. Before closing a burrow, stuff the entrance with loose newspaper and check back within a few days to see if the paper has been disturbed. If the paper has not been disturbed, it is safe to close the burrow site.