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We are Portland Wildlife, and we solve conflicts between people and wild animals. From squirrels in your attic, to raccoons in your trash, to bats, rats, birds, and snakes, we do it all. We specialize in safe and effective solutions to Oregon critter problems. We service the greater Portland region, and we offer fast service - we can usually schedule a same-day appointment. Give us a call at 503-828-3897 any time, 24/7, and we will discuss your unique wild animal problem, and give you a free price quote over the phone. We're ready to take your call now!

Our service range: We service Clark County, Skamania County, Hood River County, Clackamas County, Washington County, Columbia County, and more. We also service Fairview, Gresham, Lake Oswego, Maywood Park, Milwaukie, Troutdale, Wood Village, Bonneville, Bridal Veil, Burlington, Corbett, Dodson, Dunthorpe, Holbrook, Interlachen, Latourell, Orient, Riverwood, Springdale, Warrendale, Vanport, and more.

Portland Wildlife Education: Humane Groundhog Removal

Keeping groundhogs out of your yard
Groundhogs can cause expensive problems for homeowners. They dig under foundations and porches compromising the structural integrity of the buildings. The best way to keep your property free from groundhogs is to exclude them completely. You can construct a fence around your entire yard or just the areas where you are experiencing problems. Groundhogs will dig underneath your flowerbeds and vegetable gardens in search of food. This can destroy the root systems of your plants and can kill your entire garden. In order to protect your garden from these critters, you need to make sure that your fence is buried deep enough that they cannot dig underneath it. You can also plant a groundhog garden. This will prevent the groundhog from digging in your garden.



Trapping groundhogs
The most humane way to trap a groundhog is by using live traps. These traps can be baited and left in areas where groundhogs are frequently found. Once the groundhog has been caught you can cover the cage with a blanket and move it to a more appropriate location. You will need to research laws regarding releasing nuisance animals in your state. Some states allow the trapping of groundhogs but not the release. They require you to kill the animal once it has been caught. You can take it to a vet the have it euthanized or you can do it yourself. Some states permit the release of wild animals on government land. This typically means that if there are large wooded areas you would be allowed to release them there. You would have to make sure before you attempt to do this. The best bait to use in traps are:
· Cantaloupe
· Green beans
· Strawberries
· Peas
· Lettuce
· Apples
· Carrots
If a groundhog has built a den under your home the best way to get rid of it is to use a one-way exclusion funnel. This will allow the groundhog to evacuate the den and will prevent it from reentering. You will have to make sure that there are no babies present before you seal the hole permanently. If there are babies present in the den you need to make sure that you remove them or they will die.

Contacting a professional
As there are so many laws regarding the capture and release of nuisance animals your best option would be to contact a professional. They have the appropriate training and experience that will make the removal of groundhogs as painless as possible. They will also be informed about all of the laws regarding the relocation of nuisance animals.

Sick groundhogs
If you are concerned that the groundhog in your area may be infected with rabies then you can call animal services. They will be able to remove the animal if it poses a threat to the well-being of humans or other animals. If the animal is unstable, stumbling around or foaming at the mouth, it may be infected with the rabies virus.

Previous Education Articles
What if a Portland Hawk Gets Stuck Inside a Building
Which Tools are Required to Repair Portland Wildlife Damage?
How to Stop Portland Beavers from Eating Trees
How to Trap Portland Voles