Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are common burrowing rodents found across North America. These stout-bodied mammals are the largest members of the squirrel family and are well-known for their extensive underground tunnel systems. Understanding their presence and habits helps property owners in Tennessee coexist with them.
Groundhogs Across Tennessee
Groundhogs are widely distributed and common throughout Tennessee. They can be found in nearly all regions of the state, from rural agricultural lands to the fringes of suburban areas. While some smaller mammals might be restricted to specific ecological zones, groundhogs have adapted to a variety of landscapes. Their presence is notable in areas with suitable soil for digging and ample vegetation for foraging.
Groundhog Habits and Habitat in the State
Groundhogs in Tennessee are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a diverse diet of plants. They consume leaves, stems, and flowers of various grasses, field crops, and other herbs. Garden plants are also a favored food source for these animals. Groundhogs are diurnal, meaning they are most active during daylight hours, often seen foraging in the early morning and late afternoon.
These rodents are expert excavators, constructing complex burrow systems that can extend 2 to 5 feet deep and up to 60 feet in length. Each burrow typically features multiple entrances, providing quick escape routes from predators. These underground networks serve as homes, nurseries for their young, and sites for deep hibernation. Groundhogs typically enter hibernation in mid-November and emerge in late March.
Their preferred habitats in Tennessee include sloping pastures, cultivated fields, and areas adjacent to small woodlots and stream banks. They also establish dens in meadows, hay fields, hedgerows, and even within parks and suburban green spaces. Groundhogs favor loamy soil, which is ideal for digging their elaborate burrow systems, often positioning main entrances near fencerows or field borders.
Dealing with Groundhogs on Your Property
Groundhogs can become a nuisance for property owners in Tennessee due to their feeding and burrowing habits. Their appetite for vegetation often leads to significant garden damage, including consumed vegetables, flowers, and young tree bark. Beyond foraging, their extensive burrowing can compromise structural integrity by undermining foundations of buildings, sheds, decks, and driveways. Excavated mounds of dirt also disrupt lawns and can create tripping hazards.
To deter groundhogs humanely, consider implementing physical barriers. Installing sturdy fencing, at least 3 to 4 feet high, is effective when the bottom portion (1 to 2 feet) is buried underground and bent outwards in an “L” shape. This outward bend prevents them from burrowing underneath the fence. Heavy-gauge wire mesh with small openings is recommended, and electric fencing can provide a mild deterrent shock. Modifying the habitat by removing potential food sources, such as harvesting garden vegetables early, and eliminating cover like brush piles can make an area less appealing.
Tennessee Regulations for Groundhogs
In Tennessee, groundhogs are considered an unprotected species, often classified as nuisance wildlife due to the damage they can inflict. This designation means there is no closed hunting season or bag limit. They can be trapped or shot year-round, provided activities comply with existing firearm and hunting laws.
Despite their unprotected status, specific regulations govern the handling of captured groundhogs. Tennessee state law prohibits the possession or transport of live native animals taken under hunting and trapping proclamations, making it generally illegal for a homeowner to trap and relocate a groundhog. For situations requiring removal, contacting a licensed wildlife control operator is advisable. These professionals handle nuisance wildlife in accordance with state laws, ensuring effectiveness and compliance with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) regulations.