Groundhog (Woodchuck)
animalMarmota monax
Large rodent that devours garden crops and burrows under fences. Can consume entire plantings.
Identification
Large brown rodent (5-14 lbs). Burrow entrances near garden. Clean-cut feeding damage. Flattened paths to garden.
Damage & Symptoms
Entire plants consumed. Major damage to beans, peas, lettuce, broccoli. Burrows can undermine structures.
Organic Control
Fencing buried 12 inches with 12 inches bent outward underground. L-shaped footer. Live traps. Dogs.
Chemical Control
Not applicable in garden setting.
Prevention
Hardware cloth fencing, 3-4 ft above ground, buried 12 inches with L-footer. Electric fence wire 4 inches above ground. Remove woodchuck habitats.
Data confidence: medium | Source: curated_ipm