Groundhog Invasion: When Furry Neighbors Take Over Your Yard

July 4, 2026 - 02:28

Last month, I noticed a massive groundhog hanging out in my yard. I have seen groundhogs around in the past, but usually an infrequent sighting here and there, as if my property was just a brief stop on their travels. This one was different. It seemed to have moved in full time, treating my garden like its personal buffet.

At first, I thought it might just be passing through. But then the holes started appearing. Small tunnels near the fence line, then larger burrows under the shed. The groundhog, which I have now named Chuck, appears every morning around sunrise. He sits near the bird feeder, nibbling on fallen seeds, and seems completely unbothered by my presence.

I tried a few humane deterrents. Motion activated sprinklers worked for about two days. Then Chuck figured out the timing and simply walked around them. I planted marigolds, which supposedly groundhogs hate. Chuck ate them. I even tried a commercial repellent spray. It rained the next day, and Chuck was back by noon.

My neighbor told me she has three groundhogs living under her deck. She said they are like a small family now, and she has given up trying to chase them away. Apparently, groundhogs are stubborn creatures. They dig deep burrows with multiple exits, making it nearly impossible to evict them without professional help.

I am not sure what to do next. Part of me admires Chuck's determination. He has turned my backyard into his personal kingdom. But I also worry about the damage. Burrows can weaken foundations, and groundhogs love to chew on wiring and irrigation lines. For now, I am just watching from the kitchen window, sipping my coffee, while Chuck enjoys his morning snack. Maybe I will just accept that I have a new neighbor.