Groundhogs (Marmota monax or woodchucks) are North American mammals known for their extensive burrowing habits and consumption of garden vegetation. These stout rodents are part of the squirrel family and spend their active season foraging to build reserves for lengthy winter hibernation. The question of whether these strictly herbivorous animals are attracted to a processed food like peanut butter is common among those dealing with groundhogs near their property.
The Groundhog’s Typical Diet
Groundhogs are primarily herbivores, consuming plant matter such as wild grasses, clover, and alfalfa. They are opportunistic feeders that eat a variety of garden vegetables, including carrots, peas, and leafy greens. These animals can eat up to a pound of vegetation daily, focusing on tender, succulent plants that provide necessary moisture. Although mainly vegetarian, groundhogs occasionally consume small amounts of insects like grubs and grasshoppers, making them slightly omnivorous. The intense feeding period in summer and fall is driven by the need to accumulate fat for their five-month hibernation, establishing a preference for calorie-dense foods.
Why Groundhogs Are Attracted to Peanut Butter
Groundhogs are frequently attracted to peanut butter because it fulfills their instinctive drive for high-calorie, energy-rich foods. The appeal stems from its dense concentration of fat and protein, which are highly valued by a mammal preparing for hibernation. The strong, pervasive aroma of peanut butter is also a major factor in its effectiveness as an attractant. Groundhogs rely heavily on their sense of smell to locate food, and the rich, oily scent travels well, luring the animal from a distance.
Using Peanut Butter as Bait for Groundhogs
Because of its strong scent and high palatability, peanut butter is often used as a lure in live-catch traps. The goal is to use the aroma to draw the animal toward the trap’s trigger plate, often by smearing it lightly on a cracker or piece of corn cob. Peanut butter should only be used as a tiny enticement inside a humane trap, not as a general food source left for wildlife.
It is generally recommended to mix a small dab of peanut butter with a more familiar food, such as rolled oats, corn, or apple slices. However, many professional wildlife handlers find that fresh, juicy produce like cantaloupe or sweet corn is often more effective and a safer bait option. Cantaloupe, in particular, is noted for its strong, sweet smell and juicy texture, which are highly attractive to groundhogs.
When using human food as bait, intentional feeding of wildlife is discouraged due to potential health issues and the risk of attracting larger predators. The use of peanut butter in traps requires caution, and local regulations regarding trapping and relocation must be strictly followed. Safer alternatives like apple slices, peaches, or melons are often preferred because they are closer to the groundhog’s natural diet and decompose more readily.