Ever wonder where groundhogs go when winter hits? If you’ve noticed them vanish during the colder months, you’re not imagining things. This article breaks down whether groundhogs hibernate, how long it lasts, and what it means for your yard and pest control strategy.
Do Groundhogs Hibernate?
Yes, groundhogs do hibernate during the winter. They enter a deep, extended sleep that lasts for several months, typically from late fall through early spring. During this time, they stay hidden underground in specially prepared burrows.
This hibernation is a true, deep state of inactivity. Their heart rate slows drastically, and their body temperature drops to conserve energy. Unlike some animals that occasionally wake during winter, groundhogs remain completely dormant until the weather warms.
When Do Groundhogs Start and End Hibernation?
Groundhogs usually begin hibernating between October and November and emerge around February or March. The exact timing depends on weather conditions and their geographic location.
Here’s a rough guide:
Region | Hibernation Starts | Hibernation Ends |
---|---|---|
Northern U.S. & Canada | Late September to October | Late February to March |
Southern U.S. | November | Late January to early February |
They’ll typically resurface when the ground thaws and food becomes available again.
Where Do Groundhogs Hibernate?
Groundhogs hibernate in deep burrows below the frost line, often 3 to 6 feet underground. These winter burrows are different from the ones they use in summer. They’re specially designed to stay insulated from cold temperatures.
The burrow includes:
- A single entrance, often sealed with dirt to block cold air
- Chambers lined with grass for insulation
- A sleeping chamber deep below the surface
This makes groundhogs hard to detect during winter, as they remain completely hidden and inactive.
What Happens to Their Body During Hibernation?
During hibernation, a groundhog’s metabolism slows down dramatically. It’s a survival mechanism that allows them to live off stored body fat through the cold season.
Key changes include:
- Heart rate drops from 80 to 5 beats per minute
- Body temperature falls from 99°F to as low as 38°F
- Breathing slows to 2 breaths per minute
This extreme shift allows them to conserve energy and survive up to 5 months without eating.
Can You Get Rid of Groundhogs While They’re Hibernating?
It’s extremely difficult to remove groundhogs while they’re hibernating. They stay hidden in deep tunnels and won’t respond to traps or repellents during this time. That’s why winter isn’t the best time for groundhog control.
If you’re concerned about their return in spring, use this downtime to prepare. For example:
- Install fencing before they emerge
- Fill old burrows if you’re sure they’re abandoned
- Clear food sources like garden leftovers
Want to plan for professional help in the spring? Use this cost calculator to estimate your groundhog removal expense in advance.
What Do Groundhogs Do After Hibernation?
When groundhogs wake up in spring, they’re hungry and ready to dig, eat, and possibly mate. They’ll immediately look for food and may move back into existing burrows—or dig new ones.
Here’s what to expect:
- Increased daytime activity, especially in early morning
- Burrow maintenance or new digging near foundations and gardens
- Crop and plant damage as they feed on greens
If groundhogs have hibernated near your home, you’ll likely see signs of them within the first couple weeks of spring.
How to Prepare for Groundhogs Before They Emerge
Early spring is the best time to act against groundhogs before they get established again. Here’s a step-by-step plan:
- Inspect your yard for new or reopened burrows
- Apply repellents and seal small entrances under decks and sheds
- Install or reinforce fencing around gardens
- Remove leftover vegetation and food sources
Timing is everything. Act before they start nesting and feeding aggressively.
What If You See a Groundhog in Winter?
If you spot a groundhog in the middle of winter, it’s rare—but not impossible. Sometimes, unusually warm weather can cause them to briefly emerge from hibernation. This is usually short-lived and they’ll return underground quickly.
If the weather is consistently mild, you may need to prepare earlier than usual. Calculate your pest control cost here if you expect early activity and need help staying ahead of it.
Conclusion: Hibernation Isn’t the End of the Story
Yes, groundhogs hibernate—but that doesn’t mean you’re free from trouble. While they sleep underground through the cold months, they’ll be back and active once spring hits. The key is to prepare early and stay ahead of their return.
Don’t wait for groundhogs to cause damage again. Whether you’re planning DIY prevention or looking to hire a pro, use this pest control calculator to understand your costs and plan smartly.
Being informed now means less stress—and fewer holes—in the months to come.
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