Act fast if you want to control woodchucks (Marmota monax).
In the northern latitudes, woodchucks will be entering their burrows to hibernate. If you have woodchucks and don’t want them around for next year, then you only have a few weeks to control woodchucks before hibernation. As a general rule, woodchucks enter their dens in the first week of November for states at the latitude of Massachusetts.
Woodchucks found in locations more northerly than Massachusetts will hibernate sooner and those below later. For woodchucks in the deep south, they may not hibernate at all.
Don’t panic if you miss the window. Many woodchucks, particularly those born this year, will not survive the winter. But if they do, you will have another chance to control them in February when they emerge from hibernation very hungry. And hunger makes it easier to control woodchucks as they are easily lured into cage traps.
Stephen M. Vantassel is a certified wildlife control professional who helps individuals and property owners resolve conflicts with wildlife. He is available for research, writing, training, expert testimony, and consultation. This article may be reprinted provided full credit including website address is included. Use of images requires written permission from the photographer.