Seeing signs of digging or plant damage in your yard overnight might make you wonder—do groundhogs come out at night? The short answer is no. Groundhogs are not nocturnal. They’re active during the day and rest at night. Here’s what you need to know about their daily behavior and when you’re most likely to spot one.
Are Groundhogs Nocturnal?
No, groundhogs are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night. They usually come out in the early morning and late afternoon to feed, explore, and maintain their burrows. After dusk, they return underground to rest.
So, if you’re seeing activity in your yard after dark, it’s likely another animal—such as a raccoon, opossum, or skunk—not a groundhog.
When Are Groundhogs Most Active?
Groundhogs are most active during:
- Early morning (around sunrise)
- Late afternoon to early evening (before sunset)
During hot summer days, they may avoid the midday heat by staying in their burrows and only emerging when temperatures are cooler.
What Do Groundhogs Do During the Night?
At night, groundhogs stay in their burrows. These burrows can be 5 feet deep and over 20 feet long, with multiple exits and chambers for sleeping, nesting, and even a “toilet” area.
They use this underground space for protection from predators and bad weather, especially at night when they are most vulnerable.
Why You Might Think a Groundhog Is Active at Night
Sometimes homeowners assume a groundhog is active at night because they:
- Find fresh holes or damage in the morning
- Hear digging or rustling sounds after dark
- Spot a similar-sized animal under lights at night
But in most cases, these signs are from nocturnal animals like raccoons, skunks, or possums. Groundhogs do their digging and feeding during daylight hours.
How to Spot a Groundhog on Your Property
To confirm a groundhog is visiting your yard, look for:
- Large burrow holes (about 10–12 inches wide)
- Mounds of loose dirt at tunnel entrances
- Chewed vegetables, flowers, or garden plants
- Flattened grass paths leading to and from a burrow
Want to remove a groundhog or find out what it might cost? Use this pest control cost calculator to get a quick estimate based on your location and the pest issue.
What Animals Are Often Mistaken for Groundhogs at Night?
Several nocturnal animals are commonly mistaken for groundhogs in low light:
- Raccoons: Known for raiding trash cans and gardens after dark
- Skunks: Slow-moving and often seen digging for insects
- Opossums: Pale-faced scavengers active throughout the night
- Armadillos (in southern areas): Digging for insects and roots
Unlike groundhogs, these animals have adapted to nighttime activity and are much more likely to be causing damage after dark.
How to Keep Groundhogs Away During the Day
Because groundhogs are active during daylight hours, daytime deterrents work best. Here are a few effective methods:
- Install fences around gardens or sheds (at least 3 feet tall and 1 foot underground)
- Use castor oil or garlic-based repellents along their paths and burrow entrances
- Place motion-activated sprinklers to scare them off when they approach
- Clear brush, woodpiles, or tall grass that could offer hiding spots
FAQs About Groundhog Behavior
Do groundhogs ever come out at night?
Rarely. They are naturally diurnal and prefer to stay underground at night. If one appears at night, it could be sick, disoriented, or disturbed from its burrow.
Can lights keep groundhogs away?
Since they’re not active at night, light is not a strong deterrent. Motion-activated sprinklers or noise-based deterrents are more effective during the day.
Why do I see new damage every morning?
That damage likely occurred during the early morning hours, when groundhogs are most active. Or, another nocturnal pest may be responsible.
Conclusion
Groundhogs do not come out at night. They’re daytime animals, active mostly during early morning and late afternoon. If you’re seeing or hearing things at night, it’s probably a different animal. But if you’re noticing groundhog damage during the day, take action quickly.
Not sure how much it would cost to get rid of one? Use this free pest control calculator to get a fast estimate and protect your yard before more damage happens.
Early action makes removal easier—don’t wait for the problem to grow.
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