Groundhogs, otherwise known as woodchucks, can be found living throughout North Carolina, including Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and the greater Triangle region. They often find habitats in forests, decks, patios, sheds, gardens and other areas surrounded by wood or brush. In regard to property damage, they are impeccable diggers and are notorious for digging under patios, storage spaces and homes.
Habits and Behaviors of Groundhogs
Active in the daytime, groundhogs can be found climbing trees near residential areas. The average female groundhog gives birth to two to six young each year. They also have a strict diet that consists of fruits, grass and garden plants. The hibernation period for groundhogs begins in late October and normally ends in March or April, depending on geographic location.
Property Damage Caused by Groundhogs
People label groundhogs as nuisance wildlife due to their digging behavior, which has can cause extensive property damage. They build holes and passage-ways throughout landowners’ yards and patio areas, creating significant destruction. With a groundhog’s diet, they tend to search through people’s flower and vegetable gardens for food. They leave marks wherever they go, gnawing and chewing on trees and vegetation. If you encounter a groundhog, be mindful that they are carriers of rabies, tularemia and the plague. Critter Control of the Triangle provides services that will help with the safe removal of groundhogs from your residential or commercial property. Pick up the phone and call us at (919) 382-0651 so a Critter Control expert can help resolve your groundhog (woodchuck) problem.
Disease Risks at a Glance
Groundhogs can be infected with rabies, and any groundhog bites must be considered a possible exposure to the rabies virus.