Burrowing

• Burrows can extend up to 30 feet from the original entrance hole.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Woodchucks make their homes in extensive burrows, which can create a number of problems for homeowners. When constructed beneath a home, wall or sidewalk, burrows can impact its structural integrity. When burrows are made in yards or gardens, plant roots can be damaged. This can make walking through gardens treacherous as well, as people, animals and lawn care equipment can easily fall through into a burrow built near the surface or into one of the entrance holes. This can be a particular problem where there are grazing livestock; an animal can easily break a leg if it falls into a hole. Burrows can also impact the erosion around ponds and streams; when the burrows pass too close to the water, the pressure can easily cave in the area. Other animals such as rabbits, raccoons and skunks often take up residence in burrows, opening the area to another set of pests.
  
  

Garden Damage

• Woodchucks will consume a wide variety of plants, from dandelions and other weeds to the contents of a vegetable garden. Among their preferred foods are legumes like beans and peas, as well as other types of greens such as broccoli, cabbage, alfalfa and herbs. An adult woodchuck can easily eat up to a pound and a half of food every day. At this rate, it doesn't take long for a few woodchucks to clear out a backyard vegetable garden.
  
  

Tree Damage

• Ornamental trees, fruit trees and shrubs can also begin to show signs of damage from woodchucks. The woody stems of shrubs can be made into a meal for some woodchucks, while fruit trees can be particularly enticing. While most of the time they will eat fallen fruit, woodchucks are also capable of climbing and may do so to pick their own fruit. This can result in scratched and broken bark, which can cause significant damage to the trees if it continues. Woodchucks have also been known to strip tree bark as a marker that indicates the entrance of their burrow. Since burrows can have several entrances, this can develop into a serious problem and expose trees to diseases normally kept at bay by the protective covering of bark.
  
  

Removal

• In some cases, humans and woodchucks can coexist in relative peace. However, when woodchucks become a nuisance, it may become necessary to get rid of them. Fences are a humane and effective way of discouraging woodchucks. The structures should extend several feet below the ground to prevent the animals from burrowing underneath them. Live traps can be used in a catch-and-release program.
  
  For large and particularly troublesome populations, lethal methods are sometimes used. Burrow systems can be fumigated with poisonous gas cartridges. Hunting is often used as a method of control and woodchucks are eaten in many areas. Be sure to check local laws regarding wildlife control before using any method to remove woodchucks from the property.