I've got one hanging around. Looks like a squirrel on steroids. Got a little dog that thinks he's a big dog. He's not seen the GH/WC yet. Our vet says he'll lose any altercation between the two.
Anyone have any experience with these critters?
TIA
Our cat used in the 1970s to fight local groundhogs every spring and always lost, hence big vet bills. Successors kept clear of them, but those animals are a nuisance and I'd happily shoot any found on this newer property.
Live trap baited with apples. 'Chum' around the outside with cut pieces, put the motherload in the back of the trap.
They will sometimes stand their ground and I myself have been charged, so it's possible they might not run from a small dog (putting it in danger).
I had woodchucks years ago. They would get into my garden and get the tender, green shoots on the new plants. And, they would easily get over a 2' fence. I tried a Wrist Rocket (sling shot), chasing them, but not poisons because there are little kids inthe neighborhood that might decide I was putting out candy. Gopher Gassers started a ground fire that required a call to the fire department. In the end, a battery operated electric fence worked. I strung the wire about 8" off the ground. ALso, I put some fence material in the lawn (horizontal) to thwart them digging under the fence. Putting used kitty litter down their holes helped.
I use a Hav-a-hart trap baited with peanut butter. Laws vary on trap and release. Here you can trap but not release and can kill animal. Kind of stupid and I release anyway to parkland. Recently learned that it is a good idea to close trap at night as I've also caught raccoons and skunks.
Thanks for the advice. I've got a Hav a Hart trap on the way. I'll post what happens.
I have never experienced this ever, if I were you I'd call someone that knows stuff about animals.
It might be a good idea to keep the dog indoors until the creature ravaging your garden is captured and removed.
Romana
I like stubby's idea. I think I will try the battery operated electric fence.
To date I've caught 3 possums and 3 raccoons in a borrowed Hav A Hart trap. No Woodchucks/Groundhogs.
Close your trap at night. Groundhogs are diurnal. In my experience, the peak time for trapping them is somewhere between 4 and 5 pm.
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