Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks (Marmota monax), are native to North Carolina. These large rodents are members of the squirrel family, making them the largest sciurids in the region. Woodchuck populations are stable or increasing across the state, having adapted well to human development and agriculture. They are often viewed as a nuisance due to their feeding and digging habits.
Geographic Distribution in North Carolina
Historically, the groundhog’s range in North Carolina was largely confined to the cooler climate of the Mountains and the northern part of the Piedmont region. Over the last several decades, however, the species has notably expanded its distribution southward and eastward. This range expansion now includes the southern Piedmont and even parts of the Coastal Plain. Groundhogs are now common and widespread in the western mountains, and they are frequently found in the northwestern Piedmont. Their presence becomes less common toward the South Carolina border and the far southeastern Coastal Plain.
Woodchucks seek areas where they can construct extensive burrows, preferring well-drained soil to avoid flooding. They inhabit pastures, open fields, brushy woodlots, and the edges of wooded areas. They are often seen along stream banks or roadsides where the terrain offers suitable slopes for their underground homes. Their ability to thrive in habitats modified by humans has contributed to their growing numbers across the state.
Recognizing the Woodchuck
The woodchuck is identified by its large, chunky body and short, muscular legs built for digging. Adults typically weigh between 5 and 12 pounds and measure up to two feet in length, including their short, dark tail. They have a coarse, grizzled gray-brown coat and long, curved claws well-suited for excavation. The animal’s eyes, ears, and nose are positioned toward the top of its head, allowing it to observe its surroundings while concealed near the burrow entrance.
The most telling sign of a woodchuck’s presence is its complex burrow system. A main entrance is typically a large hole, averaging 10 to 12 inches in diameter, readily identified by a prominent mound of excavated dirt surrounding it. These underground networks can extend up to 50 feet in total tunnel length and contain multiple chambers for nesting and waste. In addition to the main entrance, they create several smaller, inconspicuous “plunge” holes that serve as emergency exits, which typically lack the large dirt mound. Groundhogs are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours, often seen standing upright near their burrow or basking in the sun.
Mitigation Strategies for Property Damage
Woodchucks are classified as a nongame animal in North Carolina. While they are a nuisance due to their burrowing and feeding habits, management focuses on deterrence and exclusion. The most effective non-lethal method is building a sturdy exclusion fence around vulnerable areas, such as gardens or decks. This barrier must be at least three feet high, and the lower edge must be buried 12 inches into the ground, bent outward at a 90-degree angle to prevent digging underneath. Habitat modification also helps by removing attractants like dense vegetation, brush piles, and debris used for cover.
If damage is occurring, North Carolina law prohibits the relocation of trapped wildlife to prevent disease transmission and territorial conflicts. Captured groundhogs must either be released on the property or humanely euthanized at the capture site. For lethal removal or trapping assistance, residents should consult a licensed Wildlife Damage Control Agent. Once a groundhog has been excluded, burrows should be filled in with gravel and topsoil to discourage other animals from taking up residence.