Woodchucks - also known as "Groundhogs" or "Marmots", are found in the Eastern and Midwestern part of the U.S. They are classified as rodents, and are members of the squirrel family. They grow to about 2 feet in length, have a broad flat head and a short bushy tail. They somewhat resemble a badger, but are much more brown in color. They dig complex burrows with many compartments, and several openings. They eat large amounts of food in the fall, to prepare for winter hibernation. They will hibernate in a special den, with only one entrance. In the Spring, they will produce a litter of about 4 or 5 young, but that number can go up to 8 or 9.
The two main areas of concern with having them around are the crop damage that occurs when they begin to ravish themselves in the fall in preparation for hibernation. The other is the massive tunnel system they set up. When they establish under a building with a concrete floor, eventually the ground settles back into the burrows, causing many cracks in the floor.
To rid yourself of them, they can be easily livetrapped. The foods they like to eat are alfalfa and clover. I've found using slices of apple works well (Best when they turn brown and begin to spoil) and seem to work even better with a little honey on them. Some states have a season on shooting them, so check regulations before trying that method. Because of their "nuisance" rating, you will want to take care in selecting an area for their release if you plan on relocating them. You may want to take care to not be seen releasing them, as most farmers and ranchers do not want them on their property.
In Northeastern S. Dak. we just started seeing them around 1996, as they make a northern migration into our area. I grew up here, and never heard of anyone seeing one; and suddenly in 1998, I removed over 60 of them from town.
