The groundhog, also known as the woodchuck, is a common member of the squirrel family often encountered as a persistent garden and landscape pest. These robust rodents are notorious for their extensive burrow systems, which can damage foundations, sidewalks, and agricultural fields. Using a live trap offers a humane method for controlling these nuisance animals by capturing them for removal and relocation. Successfully trapping a wary groundhog requires careful planning, the right equipment, and adherence to specific baiting and placement strategies.
Selecting the Right Live Trap and Location
Choosing a trap of the appropriate dimensions is the first step toward a successful capture. For an adult groundhog, the live trap should measure between 32 and 42 inches in length, with a height and width of at least 10 to 12 inches. This size ensures the animal can fully enter the cage without feeling confined, preventing premature triggering. You can choose between a single-door model, favored for stability, or a double-door, pass-through style that encourages wary animals to enter since they can see out the other side.
The placement of the trap is crucial, and the most effective location is typically within five to ten feet of an active burrow entrance. Groundhogs rarely stray far from their home base. If the burrow is not visible, setting the trap along a travel path or near a site where damage is occurring can also be effective. Ensure the trap is set on an even, level surface to prevent wobbling or premature triggering, and consider weighing down the top with a brick for stability.
Effective Baiting and Trap Setting Techniques
Groundhogs are herbivores, and cantaloupe is one of the most effective baits due to its strong, appealing scent. Other sweet fruits like apples or leafy greens like clover and lettuce, which mimic their natural forage, also work well. Position the bait past the trigger plate so the groundhog is forced to step onto the mechanism to reach the food. A small trail of bait leading from the entrance to the trigger plate can help guide the animal into the cage.
“Pre-baiting” increases the chances of a successful capture by reducing the animal’s caution toward a new object. For two or three days, place the bait inside the trap but keep the door mechanism tied open or unset. Once the groundhog is comfortable entering the cage to feed, set the trap on the third or fourth day. To further reduce wariness, camouflage the metal cage by covering it with leaves, dirt, or small branches, ensuring the trigger mechanism remains clear for proper function. Always wear gloves when handling the trap and bait, as groundhogs have a sharp sense of smell and may avoid a cage that carries human scent.
Post-Capture Care and Relocation Guidelines
Once the trap is triggered, minimize stress for the captured groundhog. Check the trap at least once every 24 hours, as required by law in many jurisdictions, to prevent the animal from suffering from exposure or dehydration. Approach the cage slowly and cover it completely with a dark blanket or tarp; this helps calm the animal by reducing visual stimulation during transport. Always wear thick gloves when handling the trap to protect yourself from bites or scratches.
Before transporting the animal, check local and state regulations, as the relocation of nuisance wildlife is heavily regulated and often prohibited. If relocation is permitted, transport the animal to a suitable release site at least ten miles away to reduce the likelihood of it returning. An ideal release location is a wooded area with access to food, water, and shelter, situated away from residential or agricultural land. Avoid trapping and relocating during the spring months when female groundhogs may have dependent young in the burrow.