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The woodchuck inhabits both rural and urban areas. They can become a nuisance when their feeding and burrowing habits conflict with human interests. Woodchucks feed on a variety of vegetables, grasses and legumes, and have the ability to destroy an entire garden or flowerbed in a relatively short time. In addition to plant damage, burrowing along sidewalks, driveways and building foundations can lead to serious damage to structures.

Finding the burrow: In the spring, occupied woodchuck burrows are easily recognized. Fresh dirt pellets (ranging from marble size to clods about as big as a fist) are generally found at the mouth of an active burrow. Clawed or girdled trees and shrubs also help identify woodchuck inhabited burrows and dens.

Minnesota law: M.S.A. 100.27, Subd. 2, states the woodchuck is an unprotected species in Minnesota and may be taken in any manner except the use of poison or artificial light.

Hunting and trapping: The most effective control of nuisance woodchucks is to remove them by live trapping.

Traps can be baited with apples or vegetables such as carrots and lettuce. Locate the trap at the burrow's main entrance. Guide logs placed at either side of a path between the burrow opening and the trap will aid in funneling the animal toward the trap. All traps should be checked twice daily, morning and evening, so that captured animals may be dealt with in a humane manner.

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