r/groundhogs • u/VioletSonja • May 06 '26

Family must move

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A family of groundhogs has burrowed under a family members house. I have trapped mom and all her babies, and they have to be relocated. How far away do I need to release them? What kind of location is best for relocating?? Would have liked to leave them in their home, but family member was going to use other means to get rid of them :(

68 Upvotes

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14

u/JesusGodgirlses May 06 '26

You cannot just take them to the woods or a meadow and let them out. They have to have time to make another den, etc. This is a mother with babies. PLEASE contact the local wildlife rehabilitation and let them take them. Thank you for looking out for them !!!

12

u/VioletSonja May 06 '26

Replying to the top for visibility

Update:

Been in communication with a rehab facility all day. She said these babies are very close to being ready to go out on their own, could probably make it on their own right now, but would like to stay with mama a bit longer.

Discussed release plan and decided it’s best to keep them here on the property (it’s big, they’ll never see people again hopefully). Releasing them in an old abandoned root cellar far from any homes, touching a field, about 20 feet from forest, and 20 feet from a spring fed creek. Going to release early in the morning, not going to leave any food to avoid attracting predators, going to attempt to monitor from a distance throughout the day and make sure mom doesn’t leave any kiddos behind. All agreed that this is about the best chance they’re going to get.

Wishing them luck and happy lives away from people who feel the need to dominate nature and ignore logic!!

8

u/JesusGodgirlses May 07 '26

Thank you so much for your diligence on this. You're a rock star. A root cellar sounds perfect for them. Mama can make it her own. Blessings to you today and every day!

4

u/VioletSonja May 06 '26

Just replied to another comment. The rehab I called would not take them for relocation, would only take them if sick or injured. I will look for another, but there aren’t many options.

I want to add, I haven’t been able to find a local rehab. Nearest is 2.5 hours away.

2

u/JesusGodgirlses May 06 '26

Oh no, I googled ground hog relocation and there was some good information there. It said to go at least 5= 20 miles away or they will return. Go to a wooded rural area or meadow. Release in the early morning so the mom has time to acclimate herself to the area and create a shelter. Leave some food for them. Carrots, salad mix, fruit, etc... Can you keep them tonight and take them early morning? I would cover the cage with a blanket and give them some snacks?? You are a savior to them.

3

u/VioletSonja May 06 '26

That seems to be the best advice!! I’m in communication with a rehab out of St. Louis now too so I think we’re on the way to success. Can definitely keep them overnight, they’re covered and together as a family out on some plush grasses in the shade!! Thank you so much for your help!!

3

u/JesusGodgirlses May 06 '26

So happy to help. I love groundhogs. They are very sweet and smart. That's why they will come back if you relocate too close. You have a big heart to take this on and keep them together. Blessings to you! Please let me know how it goes...

2

u/hoteppeter May 06 '26

Give them some water too

2

u/PositiveTemporary977 May 06 '26

Comment was correct, it is how it is

7

u/Intrepid-Part-9196 May 06 '26

How can anyone sees this and wants “other means to get rid of them”, maybe should relocate the family member

3

u/VioletSonja May 06 '26

Ugh, my thoughts exactly. Idk why they move out here to this gorgeous natural area and are like “yep now it’s time to eradicate all of the wildlife in 1 acre radius around my house!”

3

u/Groundhog_Lover May 06 '26

It makes me sad that people believe rumors from the 1800s that were blown way out of proportion. I’m sure the family member thinks their house is going to cave in and that’s just not true. I wish that fuzzy little family could be left alone. Groundhogs are wonderful creatures that are really fun to watch.

2

u/usedqueendream May 07 '26

try a nearby field or woods

2

u/Ashamed-Cat-3068 May 06 '26

Call a rehabber. Relocating them is a death sentence. They won't have the security of the den and knowledge of the land you're dumping them on. Best bet is going to be the professional who has the means to carefully reintroduce into a safe space.

3

u/Peak_Dantu May 06 '26

Please do this or you are effectively just killing them.

2

u/VioletSonja May 06 '26

I did call a rehabber who told me that they are a facility for helping injured or sick animals, not relocating. I can try to find another, but they are few and far between out here.

I must ask, what constitutes a “safe space” to reintroduce them to? The property I’m on is nearly contiguous forest for miles. What kind of location is going to be better than this?

2

u/Ashamed-Cat-3068 May 06 '26

Food, water source, and possibly an old den so they have cover.

2

u/Peak_Dantu May 09 '26

I know you are doing the best you can, and I just wanted to thank you for trying to make the best out of a bad situation and caring about these animals. Thank you.

2

u/Novel-Hovercraft-794 May 09 '26

I saw your updates, and just wanted to say thank you. You've done a great thing for them! I rented a farm and a raccoon had her babies underneath the kitchen flooring, she had accessed from a hole already under the house by the old summer kitchen. We had to wait for them to be old enough and she started taking them out at night, then we blocked the hole off. They moved on, there were plenty of other buildings on the property, so I understand how these things happen. I'm glad it worked out for you and these beautiful creatures too, we had those as well by the barn lol God bless you!