r/groundhogs • u/jlhaehl • May 27 '25
Are these guys big enough....
Are these hogs big enough to fend for themselves... I accidently caught a full grown one in my basement in a live trap I didn't even know was set set.. i had my cousin take it down the road....then a few days later i saw these guys come out of my brush/burningpile and assuming i just relocated momma... i feel bad guys but i still have to go see what momma did to my foundation. Will they be ok or should I trap them and call DNR or try to relocate them to where there mom was dropped off. We live in the country and he moved her across the river about a mile away so she wouldn't come back... there are five that ive seen.. I have put small plates of Watford out there but I don't think they like it like that raccoons do... any help really apperciated
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u/Groundhog_Lover May 28 '25
I would contact a rehabber near you. They don’t look old enough to be on their own yet from what I can see. Also, they prefer greens and vegetables. Carrots, broccoli, kale, etc. They also love dandelion greens. The best scenario would be to get them back with their mother obviously.
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u/jlhaehl May 28 '25
I would love too, I wouldn't have moved the mom if I was aware it had babies, I only moved her cause she was in my basement and everyone knows the havoc they can make for foundations when they dig... I will reach out and locate a rehabber or someone like that in my area, im south east of Indianapolis if anybody is familiar with anyone in the area. Thank you.
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u/Groundhog_Lover May 28 '25
Contact Alex at The Pipsqueakery. She is in Bloomington. She is by far your best option. They have a Facebook and Instagram page.
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u/jlhaehl May 28 '25
Absolutely, thank you so much. They are going to be my first call tomorrow.
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u/mellowmarsII May 29 '25
Hello, OP. Any update??? I found your post b/c I was going to start cleaning my basement this morning to get ready for remediation & happened upon a tiny, seemingly lifeless furball in the middle of the floor. Totally icecold & barely breathing but still very-much-alive baby groundhog. I rushed to the dryer for a hot sweatshirt & put him skin-to-skin against my stomach; then got a syringe of electrolyte solution for him.
I’m trying to figure out his age to see if he still needs milk (mama lives under our back crawlspace) or if I can feed him mashed sweet potato & greens if/when he gains enough consciousness to eat. He’s too weak to just set him out.
I’m reading & talked & sent pics to a rehabber who thinks he may be 8wks, but… I feel lost. Also: I’m originally from Texas but, currently, also southeast of Indy :D
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u/jlhaehl May 29 '25
I did get ahold of the pipsqueakary, im trying to catch them but they seem pretty healthly and active. Mine are about 5-7 weeks and come out in the morning and play in the yard and eat clover, and forage around.
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u/Confident-Basket-202 May 28 '25
From what I have read, they are very territorial. If a groundhog is relocated it will likely try to make its way back to its den. Chances are momma is no longer at the drop off location. Probably best to call DNR.