Does anyone know if the groundhog is getting ready to disappear for the winter?? Should I trap it yet I'm wondering?
Melissa
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Does anyone know if the groundhog is getting ready to disappear for the winter?? Should I trap it yet I'm wondering?
Melissa
M.. we have a family of groundhogs who have had run ins with Mz Logan and haven't been back in our yard, but our neighbor's.
I don't see hide nor hair of them in winter.
If you call a local SPCA, they should be able to give you a name of a Game Warden. That's how our neighbor's got rid of about 8 of them a few years back. BUT... the trap also catches chipmunks and possums and other local critters. The warden would NOT release them because they were already caught (my tears didn't help) and unfortunately, he does not release them because they will inhabit some other place. I need not tell you what he does..:(:(:(:(:(
My hairdresser called the local county municipal office. For a few $$ he got a trap. He wore heavy duty gloves and drove them to a local park area..lots of trees and ponds and food etc.
Best way to go. Nature will take care of itself..IMO
I had to watch "Groundhog Day" because of this thread.
From C&S's link...
I hope you arent breaking the law by relocating the little fella. Good luck on a succesful trap and release.Quote:
This means that all nuisance groundhogs MUST be euthanized by law.
:)
Well u know me, I do what I have to try to save a poor animal. I guess I just worry about moving him this late in the season, because what if he already has his food supply ready and I'm going to be taking him away from that you know.
I talked with the game commission and they didn't say I was breaking the law by trapping him myself or anything.
I know they can carry rabies but this guy isn't out that much and he doesn't seem to be a threat other than the fact that he has dug a huge hole but it's hidden so I don't know yet.
I just hate to take him away this late in the season especially if he's stocked up for the winter but then if he gets trapped under the crawl space and dies then we will smell him in the winter and everyone will grump.
Melissa
When do groundhogs hibernate?
We usually leave our summer dens by late August or early September to find our winter dens. We begin hibernation in late September or October. During hibernation, we fall into a very deep sleep. When it gets really cold, our body temperature will drop to just below freezing, and our heart rate and breathing slows way down. Why Groundhog Day is celebrated on February 2 I don't know. We do not emerge from hibernation until March or sometimes even April (in colder areas). Remember, if the ground is white, we're outta sight!
So I think it might be best to let him alone for right now and if he's around in the spring and there are no babies I'll move him.
SHove mothballs down his hole.
Not that hole......where he lives.
That sometimes works in getting rid of them. but you have to be careful because it forces them to make new escape routes..:eek: