The woodchuck, commonly known as the groundhog, is a large, herbivorous rodent found across much of North America, from the eastern United States into Alaska and Canada. These mammals are notorious among gardeners and homeowners for the damage they cause to lawns, vegetable patches, and structural foundations. They are active during the day, consuming plants and excavating the tunnel systems that define their presence. Understanding a groundhog’s movement capabilities, both above and below ground, is necessary to manage their impact on a property.
Groundhog Climbing Abilities
Despite their stocky build, groundhogs possess a capacity for climbing, which confirms they can scale fences. As members of the squirrel family, they have strong forelimbs equipped with large, sharp claws that allow them to grip and ascend various surfaces. If motivated by food, a groundhog will climb over a low barrier.
Groundhogs have been documented climbing trellises, chain-link fences, and trees, sometimes reaching heights of 20 feet to access fruit or leaves. For a garden fence, this means a groundhog will easily scale any barrier less than three feet tall, especially if the material offers good claw-hold. Installing a standard low fence is often insufficient because the animal can bypass it by climbing.
The Hidden Threat of Burrowing
While climbing is possible, the groundhog’s primary method of entry is subterranean, making burrowing the greater challenge for property owners. They are efficient excavators capable of moving soil to create extensive tunnel networks. A single system typically includes a main burrow spanning 15 to 20 feet, with some complexes reaching up to 66 feet.
The network requires multiple entrances and chambers designed for nesting, waste disposal, and hibernation. The main entrance is often marked by a large mound of displaced dirt, while smaller “plunge holes” serve as emergency escape routes. Tunnels descend deep, often 3 to 4 feet below the surface, allowing the animal to tunnel beneath fences not properly secured underground. Standard garden fences fail because the groundhog easily digs an entry point under the bottom edge.
Constructing an Effective Barrier
Creating a barrier requires a dual approach that addresses both climbing and burrowing behaviors. Vertically, the fence should be three to four feet high to discourage scaling. Fitting the top with an outward-facing overhang of 10 to 16 inches makes it difficult for the animal to hook its claws over the edge and complete the climb.
Preventing subterranean entry is accomplished by securing the barrier below the ground line. The wire mesh should extend at least 12 inches below the surface, though burying it 18 to 24 inches provides a stronger deterrent. A wire apron is created by bending the bottom 10 to 12 inches of the fence material outward at a 90-degree angle, laying it flat on or just under the soil. When a groundhog attempts to dig at the fence line, it encounters this flat wire apron, which blocks excavation and causes the animal to abandon the effort. Heavy-gauge welded wire or hardware cloth with openings smaller than two inches is the ideal material, ensuring the barrier withstands persistent digging.