are groundhogs dangerous?

Groundhogs rarely pose a threat to humans or pets, as they are more afraid of them than

anything. They sometimes emit a shrill “whistle” when frightened and will run into their

den opening. However, a cornered groundhog will fight to defend itself and, like all

mammals, they can carry the rabies virus. Care and respect needs to be taken when

dealing with wildlife, including the groundhog. Conflict often occurs between humans

and groundhogs when yards and gardens are destroyed. Groundhogs can move a

tremendous amount of dirt every day. This disturbance of the earth is actually beneficial

to the recycling and cultivation of nutrients in the soil, but if the digging occurs under a

structure it can weaken the foundation. Gardens are an attractive source of food to

groundhogs. In some cases, a heavy mesh fence can be installed that is at least 3-4 feet

high with several inches buried into the ground. A single strand electric wire can be

added to this fence system as an extra safeguard. Scare tactics such as a scarecrow or

things that move or make noise with the wind can also be tried. Groundhogs have an

incredible sense of hearing and smell. It is their smell that they use to locate partially

opened or empty dens. Placing ammonia, peanut oil, or olive oil soaked rags near or in

the den of the groundhog can essentially “stink” the animal out, but be sure to fill in the

den appropriately afterwards to avoid other animals moving in. If the den is under a shed

or deck, be sure to cover gaps with mesh or wood once the groundhog leaves. If you

choose to exclude groundhogs from your yard, do not take measures prior to the babies

being weaned (optimally wait until late summer), as the tactics can leave the young

stranded and may cause them to die. Living with the wildlife in your backyard can

sometimes be challenging and frustrating, but learning to be resourceful in outwitting

these creatures and being tolerant of their presence will lead to a happy life for all

involved.

Do Groundhogs Bite

Groundhogs are closely related to squirrels, which are rodents. They must chew on virtually anything in order to keep their teeth down to a “manageable” size (if their teeth get too large, they can’t eat!). As such, if they are under your house, they could cause damage to your concrete foundation, wooden supports, pipes (even metal ones), and so on, not to mention digging a network of holes under your nice, warm home.

My advice is to call an exterminator or animal control office.

Stay away from all wild animals (FWIW, the legendary “Punxsutawney Phil” of Groundhog Day fame is a tamed animal).

Good luck!

Aren’t they cute when they poke their heads out!?

You must resist temptation to get too close, they can and they will bite.

This is normal as it is a wild creature, it is scared of humans. It will not attack you if you don’t try to touch it.

If you want to try giving it a carrot or an apple.

Don’t try to pet it though it will react.

But did you know most animals can be tamed?

It takes patience and time.

Still you have to remember that it is a wild creature and if it is an adult it will be harder to tame it.

Remember that wild animals have parasites in their furs and do not act like domesticated ones, no matter how well tamed they are.

Anything with teeth will bite if provoked. Groundhogs are generally docile, but they have sharp teeth and claws and will fight if frightened or threatened. They can beat up a cat and smaller dogs. There’s always the worry of rabies or infection, but if you are just watching it from a short distance, it probably will just scamper into a nearby hole. Do not put your arm in the hole! ?

This Site Might Help You.

RE:

are groundhogs dangerous?

do they bite or anything. there is one under my house, and i seen it poking its head out, i wanted to get closer, but i dont know a thing about them.

I have a female groundhog living under my deck for several years now and we have an outside camera to view her on our computer in the spring and summer when she pokes her head out to eat the grass. We never get near her as she is super shy and bolts back underground when any one come near the back yard. We just leave her alone and don t charge her rent for the living space under my deck.

Since groundhogs are wild animals you should be very careful. They tend to run away from people, but if it feels cornered, it could defend itself against you. There is no real fear of rabies since they are herbivores, but they have big teeth and are really tough.

Groundhogs are commonly referred to as woodchucks, and are marmots [rodents]. Yes , they can be dangerous, and can carry rabies.

when shot out of a cannon and your standing in front of it.

other than that they are harmless.

I wouldn’t approach ANY wild animal though. That’s stupid.

Watched this guy get the snot kicked out of him once by a ‘cute little deer…’

any animal will bite if cornered.