Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are common sights in many suburban and rural environments, frequently venturing into gardens and yards. These robust rodents are known for their impressive burrowing capabilities, creating extensive underground tunnel systems that can sometimes undermine structures or damage plant roots. Their presence often leads to frustration for homeowners and gardeners seeking to protect their landscapes and crops. Understanding their behaviors, particularly their ability to navigate barriers like fences, becomes important for effective deterrence.
Groundhog Climbing Capabilities
Despite their stout build, groundhogs are surprisingly capable climbers. Their strong legs and sharp claws, primarily adapted for digging burrows, also provide excellent grip for scaling various surfaces. They can readily climb fences made of materials like wire mesh, hardware cloth, or wooden fences with horizontal slats, using their claws to hook into openings.
While not as agile as some other climbing animals, groundhogs can scale fences of considerable height. They can climb fences at least 3 feet tall, and often up to 6 feet, though they may tire before reaching the top of a 6-foot barrier. Smooth surfaces, like solid plastic or metal sheeting, are more challenging due to lack of grip. Groundhogs have also been observed climbing trees, particularly when escaping predators.
Designing a Groundhog-Proof Fence
To deter groundhogs, a fence design must address both their climbing and burrowing habits. A fence height of at least 3 to 4 feet above ground is recommended to prevent climbing over, with 6 feet providing more security. Adding an outward-sloping section at the top, or bending the top 12-15 inches outward to create a wobbly effect, can further discourage climbing by making the top unstable.
Groundhogs are diggers, so any effective fence must extend below ground to prevent burrowing. Burying the fence at least 12 inches deep is advised, with 18 to 24 inches recommended for better protection. An “L-footer” design is effective; this involves bending the bottom 12-15 inches of the fence material outwards at a 90-degree angle and burying it horizontally away from the protected area. This buried L-shape creates a barrier groundhogs encounter if they attempt to dig alongside the fence.
For materials, heavy-gauge galvanized wire or welded wire mesh with openings no larger than 2×3 inches, or 1×1 inch, is suitable as groundhogs can chew through weaker materials like chicken wire. Sturdy, chew-resistant mesh, combined with adequate height and a deeply buried L-footer, creates a barrier to protect gardens and yards from groundhogs.