Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are primarily herbivorous rodents known for their voracious appetites and ability to decimate gardens. However, oranges are not a typical or preferred food source for them. Citrus fruits are generally unappealing to groundhogs due to their strong scent, acidity, and tough rind.
Groundhog Dietary Preferences
Groundhogs are generalist herbivores, consuming a wide variety of plant materials. They are opportunistic feeders, with their diet shifting based on the season and available vegetation. Primary food sources include grasses, clover, alfalfa, and other leafy greens.
Garden vegetables are a favorite, including crops like carrots, celery, corn, peas, beans, lettuce, and cabbage. While predominantly plant-based, groundhogs occasionally supplement their diet with insects such as June bugs, snails, grasshoppers, and sometimes bird eggs. They obtain most hydration from the dew and moisture within the plants they consume.
Oranges and Groundhogs
Oranges are generally not a preferred food for groundhogs. Their strong citrus scent, taste, and acidity are unappealing. While groundhogs can bite into the tough skin, they typically consume the entire fruit, including rind, pulp, and seeds, if eaten.
Groundhogs are more likely to consume oranges if encountered accidentally, such as fallen fruit, rather than actively seeking them out. Anecdotal evidence suggests some might eat oranges, especially if rotten or other food sources are scarce. However, oranges are not a significant part of their natural diet and are not known to be harmful if consumed opportunistically.
Protecting Your Garden from Groundhogs
Protecting your garden from groundhogs involves physical barriers and deterrents. Fencing is the most effective method, though it requires specific installation. A fence should be at least three to four feet tall, made of heavy-duty wire mesh, and buried at least 12 inches underground to prevent burrowing. Bending the top 9-12 inches of the fence outward at a 45-degree angle can also deter climbing.
Habitat modification can help by removing areas that provide cover, such as tall grasses, weeds, brush piles, or overgrown shrubs, making the environment less hospitable. Groundhogs are sensitive to strong odors, so natural repellents like cayenne pepper, garlic, and certain herbs (e.g., lavender, mint, rosemary) can be sprinkled around plants or garden perimeters. Motion-activated sprinklers or other noisy items can also startle and deter these shy creatures.