Woodchucks (Marmota monax)
Woodchuck
(Marmota monax) is known by a variety of terms, including groundhog,
whistlepig even gopher.
NEBRASKAland
Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Photo
Biology
- Diurnal
- Prefer open fields
- Normally vegetarian. But after winter hibernation will eat protein.
- These "ground hogs" or "whistle pigs" are usually grizzled brownish
gray, chunky 5 to 10 pound animals with short tails. When startled, they
produce a low "tchuck, tchuck" followed by a shrill whistle. They may
run slowly into burrows, usually within 150 feet away.
- Occasionally they
bask in sun on low lying walls, rocks or logs.
- They can climb sloped trees.
Sign
- Tracks
- Toe Pad Marks on Hind Feet five
- Heel Pad Marks up to 3 inches wide X 4 inches long including long
claws
- Claw Marks Yes
- Large burrow openings of 8 to 12 inches with mounds of dirt in front of the hole called a "porch." A second possibly third hole may also be present within 10 yards. This additional hole will lack the thrown out dirt.
- Trails and trampled areas in crops and pastures.
Damage
- Gnaw or claw trunks and
stems; outdoor tubing, wiring.
- Lawn Damage Mounds and burrows can damage lawns and turf.
- Structural Damage Occasionally, their burrowing can weaken dikes and
foundations. Also, they can gnaw on undergroud power cables and utility
lines, rubber hoses in parked vehicles.
- Agricultural Damage Woodchucks are a type of marmot that live in
theopen farmlands, fields, and pastures of the northeastern U.S. and
Canada. They have recently extended their range to west of the Missouri
River. They feed on alfalfa, clovers, fruit tree and ornamental shrubs,
soybeans, beans, squash, peas, and other garden plants. Their mounds can
slow or damage mnechanical harvesting equipment.
- Tree Damage Fruit trees and ornamental shrubs
Solutions
Habitat Modification
- Woodchuck Resistent Plants
- Fencing Gardens and sheds-- Use heavy wire 2-inch mesh fences at least 3 feet high,
bending the lower edge outward and burying 1 to 2 inches below ground.
Alternatively, bury the fence to a one-foot depth. At the top, use an
electrified wire or bend the top 15 inches outward to 45 degrees to
prevent climbing. See Exclusion for details on preventing damage.
Repellents
- Scarecrows and other effigies can provide
temporary relief if woodchucks are not used to people.
- Hazing--time consuming but it may work in your situation. Learn the principles at Hazing
Shooting
- If legal,
use .22 caliper centerfire rifles with telescopic sights. if legal, and
at ranges within 25 yards, one might use a 12-gauge shotgun with No. 4
or No. 6 shot.
Trapping
- Bait--fresh apple slices, carrots, lettuce.
- Footholds--Use No. 11 or larger at burrow entrances or in animal travel
lanes. Use guide sticks or fences to funnel animals.
- Body-grip 160's to 220's over den entrance.
- Snares
- Box traps- single door- 10x12x32 minimum; double door (spring loaded) 10x10x36 minimum.
- Body
gripping traps
Description: Used for burrowing rodents and for carnivores must
be set safely
Photo Credits: Dallas VirchowBody grip kill traps (IE Conibear #'s
160, and 220) , if legal, can be an alternative to fumigants under
structures. Can use unbaited in woodchuck travel lanes or at main burrow
entrances.
Toxicants & Fumigants
- Burrow fumigants--
- Sulfur based
- Aluminum phosphide tablets may be legal as a burrow
fumigant. Use as per label.
Legalities
- Many states consider woodchucks a
legal game animal and a valid state game license is required.
Health & Safety
- A similar species, the Yellow-bellied marmot, of the
Rocky Mountain states, is a host for the tick that transmits Rocky
Mountain Spotted Fever.
- Occasionally prized livestock may mistep into woodchuck
burrows and injure themselves.
Managing Woodchuck Problems in
Missouri--University of Missouri
Managing Woodchucks--University of Kentucky
Woodchucks--Purdue University
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