Woodchuck Removal From Property – Humane Wildlife Removal

How to remove a woodchuck from your property

The most effective way to remove a woodchuck from your property is to trap them using a live trap. Here are some useful tips to help you remove them from your property successfully:

Choose and purchase a woodchuck trap

There are two types of live woodchuck traps that have been proven most effective in catching woodchucks: 1-door and 2-door models. It is very important that you purchase the correct size trap, too small and the woodchuck will be unable to fully enter the trap rendering it useless. Professionals suggest using a live trap that ranges between 32-42 inches in length.

Both 1-door and 2-door traps are equally effective, and it is really down to personal preference:

1-door live trap: favored by professionals, easier for larger animals to enter, can place bait further from the door, superior bait protection.

2-door live trap: higher catch rate due to dual entry, fewer escapes, can set one or both doors.

Determine where you are going to place your live trap

The best place to start is to locate the woodchuck’s burrow. Woodchucks rarely stray far from their burrows so placing your live trap 5-10 feet away from the entrance will be an effective location. Another great location to set up your live trap is an area you know the woodchuck often frequents.

It’s important that you wear gloves when handling your live trap and any bait as woodchucks are discouraged by human scent. Also, if you are able, place your live trap on an even and level surface to ensure stability.

Camouflage your live trap

Camouflaging your live trap will make it look more natural and inviting. This is important as woodchucks are wary animals and will not enter an unknown area without some encouragement. Use objects you can find in the area you are setting your live trap such as soil, twigs, leaves, and branches and cover it without disrupting or blocking the trigger plate.

Add bait

A woodchuck is very unlikely to enter your live trap without the encouragement of some bait. Woodchucks have a heavy diet of herbaceous plants, vegetables and sweet fruits including:

Cantaloupe (proven most effective)
Raspberries
Strawberries
Peaches
Sweetcorn
String beans
Wild lettuce

Another tip from professionals is to set a bait trail. Start the trail near the woodchuck’s burrow and scatter the food towards your baited live trap. This will give the woodchuck a taste of what awaits them inside the trap and possibly reduce any anxiety they had about entering.

Set your live trap

Follow the instructions that came with your live trap and set it accordingly. It could be a good idea to test the trigger plates are working well by using a stick to press the plate through the side of the trap.

Monitor your live trap

Check your live trap regularly. Woodchucks will become distressed if left trapped too long and may cause themselves injury or even escape the trap.

Once you have trapped a woodchuck

Woodchucks generally avoid conflict but if they feel threatened, they may become aggressive, so it is important you treat them with caution. Wear thick gloves when handling the trap and hold it away from your body. To keep the woodchuck calm, cover the trap with a blanket or towel while moving it and transporting it to a safe place it can be released. Professionals suggest taking it at least 5 miles away from your property and to an area with plenty of natural coverage for it to make a new home.