Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, can be nuisance animals when they take up residence in areas near homes and gardens. While they play an important role in the ecosystem, these large rodents are capable of destroying plant roots, damaging property, and potentially spreading diseases. Live trapping and relocating groundhogs is often the most humane and effective way to resolve issues with these pesky critters. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to safely and successfully trap groundhogs on your property.

Materials Needed

• Live trap (Havahart and other brands, approx. $50)
• Bait - Lettuce, berries, apple slices work well
• Large towel or cloth
• Thick gloves for protection
• Boots for safety

Before setting any traps, make sure it is legal in your state or municipality to trap and relocate groundhogs. It is also wise to contact local wildlife authorities to report any groundhog issues beforehand.

The right materials are essential for minimizing stress to the animal while also keeping the trapper safe. A specialized live trap designed for larger animals, often referred to as a woodchuck trap, should be used. Bait must be enticing to lure the groundhog inside. A large towel or cloth is useful for covering the trap, and thick gloves and boots should be worn when handling the trap and animal.

Find a Suitable Location

Identifying areas of high groundhog activity is crucial for trap placement. Look for holes, burrows, or dens, especially near structures like porches and sheds. Groundhogs prefer areas with soft, loose soil when digging their dens, so these spots allow for easy and effective installation of the traps.

Active burrows will show signs like fresh dirt or tracks. Placing the trap near entrances or high traffic areas gives the best chance for trapping the intended groundhog. Be cautious of dens with young, as adult groundhogs are very protective of their babies in spring and early summer.

When positioning the trap, make sure it is on a flat surface and the ground is stable enough to support its weight when triggered. Areas with thick vegetation should be cleared away so there is ample open space for the groundhog to enter the trap.

Prepare and Set the Live Trap

Before setting the trap, bait it with the food placed all the way at the rear to entice the groundhog to step inside and trip the trigger. Lettuce is effective bait due to its strong scent and appeal to groundhogs. Fruit like berries or apple slices also work very well. Avoid using nuts or anything oily, as those items can be easily licked out without entering the trap.

Wearing thick gloves, carefully place the baited trap with the open door flush along a known trail or at the entrance to an active burrow. Make sure the trip plate inside the trap door is sensitive and ready to spring when touched. Larger traps may have a black rubber strip for extra sensitivity.

To help the nervous groundhog feel more secure entering, cover the entire trap with a large towel, blanket, or cloth. Avoid touching the trap directly with bare hands, as human scent can deter animals. Set the trap in the evening after peak activity or very early morning before sunrise.

Check and Remove the Trapped Groundhog

Traps should be checked at first light, before the temperatures rise and direct sun hits the animal. Approach cautiously and gently toss the cover material over the trap without sudden movements to obscure the groundhog's vision and calm it before transport.

If the groundhog trap has been triggered, carefully move the covered trap with the captured animal to the transport vehicle. Wearing thick gloves, place the covered trap in a shaded, temperature-controlled area of the vehicle for transport away from the property.

Drive at least 5 miles distance from the trapping site to suitable habitat like rural wooded areas or parks. Scout a good location beforehand with cover where the animal can be safely released.

When ready to release, stand the trap up on its rear end with the front door facing away. Carefully lift open the front door using a rope or stick. This allows the groundhog to exit while staying a safe distance away. The groundhog should wander calmly into the brush.

Clean and Reset the Trap

After releasing, thoroughly clean and disinfect the trap according to the manufacturer’s directions before reusing. Use bleach solution and rinse off any remaining bait smell with natural soap if needed.

Return the trap to the same place where the groundhog was successfully captured and reset with fresh bait. It is common to trap additional groundhogs, as they often create multi-chamber dens. Persist with trapping and relocating until no more groundhogs are caught over a 48 hour period.

Conclusion

Follow these steps for humanely and safely capturing and removing nuisance groundhogs from your property. Always act responsibly when dealing with wildlife and consult local authorities if needed. With the right trap, bait, and technique you can effectively resolve groundhog issues using live trapping and relocation as a proven method.