Ground Hogs or Woodchucks are actually a member of the squirrel family of animals and the largest in that family in Eastern Ontario. They can weigh up to 10 lbs. Ground Hogs are mainly brown in colour but we have seen them almost blonde to jet black. They have long sharp ever growing teeth that help them to eat many different types of vegetation and long sharp claws for digging. Ground Hogs are also very good climbers. Their alarm call or “whistle” is also easily recognized. They are not usually aggressive but can be if cornered or threatened. In those situations they will “pop” or “chatter’ their teeth first as a warning.
Ground Hog populations were once very prevalent in Eastern Ontario. Their population numbers now have seen some declines to predation and habitat loss. Now they are mainly found living in and around people. The burrows Ground Hogs dig are easily identified and often have two or more entrances. Their burrows can be found in fencerows, rock and brush piles, under sheds, decks, walkways and along buildings.
The biggest problems the ground hog causes humans is their burrows and digging. Their burrows can harbour other animals once they have left, can cause destruction and cave ins to buildings and walkways creating areas where the ground is unlevelled and causing trips and falls. The burrows can also be a big problem around horse farms, show arenas, recreational fields and septic tile beds. They can also be found in large infestations where the problems they cause are increased. We have also encountered circumstances where the ground hogs have chewed brake and coolant lines on vehicles creating health and safety issues. Ground Hogs will also eat and often prefer ornamental flowers, garden vegetables and crops. They will chew bark on trees, killing them. Ground hogs can carry various diseases but low contact with humans rarely makes this a problem. They can also have a strong smell but this usually isn’t a problem.
There are many methods to control Ground Hogs from Habitat Modification (removing the food and burrowing areas), Exclusion ( Anti Dig aprons to prevent them from getting under structures), Trapping and Lethal Removal. Many times one or more of these solutions will need to be used together to create an ever lasting solution. Relocation of Ground Hogs is not only illegal being a rabies vector species but also inhumane. Ground Hogs are territorial and are often relocated to unfamiliar territory which usually ends in the animal dying.
Ground Hog populations were once very prevalent in Eastern Ontario. Their population numbers now have seen some declines to predation and habitat loss. Now they are mainly found living in and around people. The burrows Ground Hogs dig are easily identified and often have two or more entrances. Their burrows can be found in fencerows, rock and brush piles, under sheds, decks, walkways and along buildings.
The biggest problems the ground hog causes humans is their burrows and digging. Their burrows can harbour other animals once they have left, can cause destruction and cave ins to buildings and walkways creating areas where the ground is unlevelled and causing trips and falls. The burrows can also be a big problem around horse farms, show arenas, recreational fields and septic tile beds. They can also be found in large infestations where the problems they cause are increased. We have also encountered circumstances where the ground hogs have chewed brake and coolant lines on vehicles creating health and safety issues. Ground Hogs will also eat and often prefer ornamental flowers, garden vegetables and crops. They will chew bark on trees, killing them. Ground hogs can carry various diseases but low contact with humans rarely makes this a problem. They can also have a strong smell but this usually isn’t a problem.
There are many methods to control Ground Hogs from Habitat Modification (removing the food and burrowing areas), Exclusion ( Anti Dig aprons to prevent them from getting under structures), Trapping and Lethal Removal. Many times one or more of these solutions will need to be used together to create an ever lasting solution. Relocation of Ground Hogs is not only illegal being a rabies vector species but also inhumane. Ground Hogs are territorial and are often relocated to unfamiliar territory which usually ends in the animal dying.
Nuisance Wildlife Control INC is
proud to offer our expert Residential
and Corporate Services for Groundhogs.
List of Services:
- Consultation
- Inspections
- Exclusion and Repairs
- Habitat Modification
- Wildlife Removal
- Dead Animal Removal
- Training
Our Local Service Areas for Rodents includes: Athens, Brockville, Iroquois, Kemptville, Mallorytown, Morrisburg, Prescott, Smiths Falls, Spencerville, Winchester and Surrounding Areas!
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Spencerville, ON Canada
Phone: 613-658-2223 Fax: 613-658-2224 Office Hours Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm |
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