Eastern Woodchuck---- mini hibernation mid summer?

[shooter6br]

Old hunting buddy told me Eastern woodchucks take a :mini hibernation. usually mid August due to increased heat. I have what i think is a woodchuck under my raised wooden porch. Never see it ,but when I block the hole it digs out.I put a heavy rock against the lattice work over the hole It dug under it. Also woodchcuks can have a second liter in july i saw this myself   Any commments?  Thanks Rick

[Bugflipper]

They do go back into a hibernation phase in the hottest parts of the year. I don't mind them so much eating up things. But always have to worry about livestock breaking a leg in their holes. If he is to slick to get a shot on him. You can pour used kitty litter down his hole. Wait a few days and fill it up with dirt.

If you want to kill him you can unwrap a packs worth of juicy fruit gum and throw it down the hole. It will plug him up and he will be done for. It also works on moles with a half a piece put in his tunnel. Or you can mix half bleach to half ammonia and pour down his hole. Just don't kill yourself in the process. It makes poison gas.

[hotrunner]

I do a lot of groundhog hunting and have come to the conclusion that they do, indeed, go back into hibernation during a hot summer like we've seen here in Ohio this year. They do seem to be moving some, now. Have also wondered if they might have second litters in some areas with longer warm seasons; interesting that you've actually witnessed that. Curious to know where you're from.