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.
What is the range of a groundhog?
Habitat. Groundhogs are widely distributed across North America, ranging as far south as Alabama and as far north as Alaska. They build extensive burrows—anywhere from eight to 66 feet long—with multiple entrances and rooms, including bathrooms.
Can groundhogs survive relocation?
Contrary to popular belief, live-trapping and relocation rarely ends well for wildlife. A raccoon in the chimney, a woodchuck under the shed, a skunk under the back porch … ... It sounds like a good idea, but the sad truth is that live-trapping and relocation rarely ends well for wildlife, nor is it a permanent solution.
What happens when you relocate a groundhog?
Relocating an animal may not only give someone else a nuisance problem, but spreads diseases, such as rabies and distemper, Lyme disease and West Nile virus. Handling wildlife may also put you at risk for disease. If an animal must be removed, make sure you call a qualified nuisance wildlife controller.
Can groundhogs find their way back?
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 survive relocation?
Contrary to popular belief, live-trapping and relocation rarely ends well for wildlife. A raccoon in the chimney, a woodchuck under the shed, a skunk under the back porch … ... It sounds like a good idea, but the sad truth is that live-trapping and relocation rarely ends well for wildlife, nor is it a permanent solution.
Do groundhogs mark their territory?
Marking their territories: They may strip off the bark at the base of a tree that's near their. burrow entrance. Burrowing. Look for burrow entrances among shrubs near vegetable and ornamental gardens; under woodpiles, brush piles, and stone walls; under sheds, porches, decks, and crawl spaces.
How far can a groundhog find its way home?
Some say you should take them over 2 miles away or they will find their way back home, some say even greater.Jul 11, 2021
How far away should you release a trapped groundhog?
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.