Groundhog Problem at Work

[Puckstop31]

Unless the law has changed in PA... Hired animal control companies are required to destroy any woodchucks they capture alive. They are classified as a pest. So if you want to move the animal, but keep it alive you will have to aquire a live catch trap and do it yourself.

You can get live catch traps at Bass Pro Shops and other such places. If you choose to do this, please be very, very careful. They can carry rabies and the animal will NOT be happy while in the trap.

Good Luck

[Anikaca77]

I will be very careful. I can't see putting this animal down just because he chose to dig near our building and semi-under it.

I've never seen it, apparently they say it's huge. I don't want it euthanized and I'll take gloves so he doesn't bite me hopefully

Thanks,
Melissa

[Puckstop31]

Something like this...

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st..._SearchResults


This will allow you to trap, move and then release the animal without touching it. Just be sure to move it at least a few miles away from where you catch it. It would be best to release it in a park or something similar and NOT near a farm.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Interesting Groundhog article >>>
http://www.pvewildlife.com/groundhogs.htm

Here's the Trapper Guy's home page >>>
http://www.pvewildlife.com/index.htm

[Anikaca77]

Does anyone know if the groundhog is getting ready to disappear for the winter?? Should I trap it yet I'm wondering?

Melissa

[K9karen]

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

[blue]

I had to watch "Groundhog Day" because of this thread.

From C&S's link...

This means that all nuisance groundhogs MUST be euthanized by law.

I hope you arent breaking the law by relocating the little fella. Good luck on a succesful trap and release.

[Anikaca77]

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.

[RICHARD]

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..