Photo Album: Groundhog & wildlife control in Lanoka Harbor, NJ

How much damage can just one small, kind-of-cuddly-from-a-distance ground hog do? As this Lanoka Harbor homeowner learned the hard way, plenty! These chunky, burrowing rodents are one of nature’s top excavators, right up there with moles, voles, shrews, and gophers. These critters can dig deep burrows through your yard like nobody’s business. There is even an equipment company that manufactures earth drills and trenchers for excavation contractors that is named after these natural born drillers — Groundhog, Inc! Groundhogs, about two feet long including their tail and weighing up to ten pounds, are a type of marmot (large ground squirrel). Groundhogs have a grizzled brownish grey coloration with a curved body like that of a mole, with long curved claws perfect for digging burrows. Unlike tree-dwelling squirrels, groundhogs live underground in burrows where they mate, wean their young, hibernate in the winter, and use as protection when threatened. Groundhogs are mostly herbivorous, eating wild grasses, berries, and other vegetation. Unlike other marmots, the groundhog has readily adapted and adjusted to human habitats. Although marmots generally prefer mountainous areas, groundhogs are found throughout New Jersey, even taking up residence in sea-level communities along the Jersey Shore. Because groundhogs are a rabies vector, there are restrictions as to their relocation. A nuisance wildlife specialist will ensure compliance with all applicable state laws and municipal ordinances.