Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are the messiest eaters of the garden pests. Groundhogs can be a real problem in residential properties where they are responsible for more than one type of damage. This one is probably a given but has to be worth mentioning. Groundhogs get eaten by, coyotes, wolves, bears, red foxes, and cougar. Woodchucks do … Groundhogs are drawn to gardens as a source of food, a relatively predator-free zone, and because their soft soil is perfect for burrowing; they can eat as much as a pound of vegetation per day, and their burrows can do significant structural damage to buildings. All of the damage that Groundhogs do is “big” because they are large animals (up to 12 pounds and 27 inches long). What do groundhogs eat during winter? Throughout the year, groundhogs are going to build fat reserves so they’ll be able to survive during the winter. Damage done during this time is … They drink very little water, as most of it comes from the plants they eat. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, “whistle pigs,” or marmots, are rodents that can do a lot of damage to your lawns and gardens. Groundhogs are known to burrow in fields and pastures, along fences and roadsides, and near building foundations or the bases of trees, leaving mounds of soil at the dig site. Life Cycle. Woodchucks occasionally eat garden or field crops and can cause considerable damage in a very short period. Sometimes they will eat insects. Groundhogs are primarily active during daylight hours, usually feeding in the early morning. Because woodchucks hibernate, they are unlikely to cause any damage between early November and late February. The living period is around 3-6 years. They commonly trample tomato plants in the process of seeking out the fruits, and will often branch out into beans, peas, and corn as well. Tom G on April 18, 2019: I just noticed a groundhog this morning and I am going try ammonia first, if that doesn't work then it will be smoke bombs, finally my velocity pellet gun as a last resort. But they also may eat things we consider pests, such as grubs, other insects, and snails. Woodchucks do eat wood.they chew on the frame and postd underneath my house all the time.im having a hard time getting rid of them. Groundhogs are important intermediaries in the food chain. They can climb anywhere. Nothing. They eat blackberries, raspberries, cherries, and other fruits, along with the bark of hickory and maple trees. Primarily herbivores, groundhogs eat a variety of plants, including from people’s gardens. [Related Article: What Do Groundhogs Eat] Foxes. And even people hunt, skin and cook and eat groundhog. They’re a common nuisance that can tear down entire gardens if left unchecked. Woodchucks are groundhogs. Foxes really are a sly beast, as they eat both a variety of plant and animal-based food. Food for Groundhogs. Woodchucks are primarily vegetarians and have been known to happily eat 46 different types of plants. Woodchucks also have a thing for fruit and will climb trees to reach fruit above. Their favorites are beans, peas, carrot greens, tomatoes, and various grasses and clover. 3. It will eat between the early morning and afternoon. Groundhog Feeding Damage. Of course, to the chagrin of gardeners, woodchucks love fresh produce, as well. They also eat seeds, grasses, fruits, vegetables, herbs, weeds, dandelion greens and small invertebrates, such as grasshoppers. Groundhog will eat wild grasses, berries and agricultural crops. They go wild for succulent green plants — especially alfalfa and clover. They will even eat grasshoppers, June bugs, and other large insects. Groundhogs are like many other animals that prefer hibernating during the cold winter months. 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