Ohio allows relocation of critters

Q. Can I release the groundhog I caught in a live trap?

Dave from Youngstown

A. White-tailed deer. Coyotes. Foxes. Raccoons. Moles and voles. Skunks, opossums and groundhogs…and the list goes on. These days, whether you live in a rural area, suburb, city, or somewhere in between, you are living with wildlife. Often, co-existence between humans and wildlife occurs peacefully. Many folks enjoy seeing red fox kits venture into backyards from a nearby den, or watching the birds visiting feeders or nest boxes. Other times, however, the co-existence is less than peaceful, at which time it is beneficial to understand the options available to mitigate and prevent problems.

Groundhogs (woodchucks) are one such species that can threaten a peaceful co-existence. They are widely distributed across Ohio, seen most frequently plodding slowly along or feeding on vegetation in open areas adjacent to woodlands, grassy pastures or agricultural fields. Groundhogs hibernate starting in October-November and emerge in early spring, when they will feed on woody plants until green vegetation is available. From late spring through fall, groundhogs feed on a variety of herbaceous plants, including fruit and vegetable crops.

Groundhogs live in underground burrows that are typically 5 feet below the soil and stretch 8-66 feet in length with two or more entrances. Entrance holes are roughly 10-12 inches in diameter. The main entrance is easily identified by a characteristic mound of excavated earth around the hole. Burrows are typically located in open areas, along fence rows or woodlot edges. They may also be found near buildings, under porches, along roadsides and at the bases of trees.

When dealing with wildlife conflict, always ask yourself what is attracting the critter in the first place. Then ask yourself what can be done to change or eliminate that attractant. A fence around a garden or wire mesh cage around a tree can help to keep groundhogs away. Commercial repellents may also help to discourage groundhog damage to plants (choose the ones with hot pepper in them). If you have tried these methods already without any success, or perhaps a groundhog is denning under a structure on your property and you want to remove it, hunting or trapping may be the solution. Groundhogs causing a nuisance can be trapped or shot (where firearm discharge is allowed) at any time by the property owner. (Keep in mind that trapping and hunting during winter will be unsuccessful as groundhogs are hibernating). Groundhogs can be trapped using live traps measuring 32 by 10 by 13 inches. Lethal traps can also be used, but there are certain restrictions in place. For laws and regulations regarding the use of lethal traps, contact a wildlife professional before use.

Place traps outside of the main burrow entrance or along well-traveled paths. Once a groundhog is trapped, it can be euthanized, released on site or relocated. Relocated groundhogs must be taken outside of the city or village limits and released with the permission of the property owner. In Ohio, it is also legal to relocate squirrels (tree squirrels and chipmunks), moles, voles, shrews, mice, rats, mink, muskrats and rabbits outside of city or village limits and with permission of the landowner where the release takes place. Contact your local Extension office or wildlife professional for guidance. There are also Nuisance Wild Animal Control professionals for hire that can be found at go.osu.edu/NWAC.

This week’s answer is provided by Marne Titchenell , OSU Extension wildlife specialist in Columbus. Winter hours for the Mahoning County Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic vary. Submit questions to the clinic at 330-533-5538 or drop samples off to the OSU Extension Office in Canfield.