Will a groundhog survive relocation?
Will a groundhog survive relocation?
Contrary to popular belief, live-trapping and relocation rarely ends well for wildlife. A raccoon in the chimney, a woodchuck under the shed, a skunk under the back porch … It sounds like a good idea, but the sad truth is that live-trapping and relocation rarely ends well for wildlife, nor is it a permanent solution.
What happens if you relocate a groundhog?
Relocation and release of woodchucks is not recommended because the chance of survival is poor. If the animal is released, it should be relocated at least five miles away from the trap site and in an area of suitable habitat where it is unlikely to cause damage problems.
Is it legal to relocate a groundhog?
Can I relocate a trapped groundhog? Usually, nuisance wildlife that is live-trapped may be relocated. It could be released on private property with the property owner’s permission — or on game lands. Domestic animals such as cats, or captive-bred or captive-raised animals may not be relocated on game lands.
How far away should I relocate a groundhog?
If relocating your groundhog, do so at least 5 miles away from your property. Choose an area that provides cover so that your groundhog will not want to travel far to make a new home. Though groundhogs are not generally aggressive, one might attack if it feels threatened.
Do relocated animals survive?
Relocated animals often struggle to survive in unfamiliar surroundings, have to compete with others of their species that are already established at the relocation site, and may potentially transport new diseases or parasites to an area in which they did not previously exist.
How far away should you relocate a groundhog?
What do you do when you catch a groundhog?
Once you catch the groundhog, you need to go by state law, and humanely kill the animal. This is the case for most states, sadly. If you find that you must humanely kill the groundhog, and don’t want to do so, you can either try to scare the animal off your property, or just learn to cohabitate.
What do you do if you catch a groundhog?
Where do you release a groundhog?
To release the groundhog, you have to choose wooded area away from the property so that it will not be able to return. You should choose the area where there is enough water and where it can get the food easily.
How far do groundhogs burrow?
The burrows can reach up to 50 feet in length but tend to be no deeper than 6 feet. When a groundhog starts building its burrow, it digs inward for several feet, and then it inclines the tunnel upward for a few more feet. After that, it will continue digging horizontally for another 15 to 25 feet.
Is it good to relocate animals?
Live trapping and relocating animals is often advertised as a humane solution to wildlife conflicts. In reality, it can actually be detrimental for the animal, it is not a true long-term solution, and in most cases, it is illegal. PAWS does not recommend trapping and relocating a wild animal to solve problems.
Why relocating animals is bad?
Without that cognitive geography, relocated animals struggle to find food and den sites. Some die along the way or become ill from extreme stress. Once transported, animals may introduce disease to the new environment, some scientists believe. And too often, they leave behind something precious: their babies.
How far should you relocate trapped groundhogs?
Purchase large cage traps – rated raccoon size,usually about 10″ x 12″ x 30″ or so.
How far to relocate Groundhog?
If relocating your groundhog, do so at least 5 miles away from your property. Choose an area that provides cover so that your groundhog will not want to travel far to make a new home. Though groundhogs are not generally aggressive, one might attack if it feels threatened.
Are groundhogs a nuisance?
Groundhogs are considered a nuisance pest because they can cause extensive damage to home gardens, farms, orchards and field crops as a result of their feeding and burrowing habits.