Groundhogs positively impact soil health and biodiversity

It’s almost spring – the time for new beginnings, longer days, singing birds, baby bunnies, and — oh yes — groundhogs.

While groundhogs have a reputation for being garden pests, they are intelligent beings that positively impact soil health and the biodiversity of Pennsylvania wildlife.

Here are a few interesting facts about them:

• Changes in their hibernation patterns may be an early signal of shifts in climate.
• Their burrowing behavior benefits the soil by redistributing moisture and minerals.
• They love cuddles.

In our actions, we can respect their natural habitat and give them space to breed. Here are four things you can do to coexist peacefully with groundhogs:

• Sprinkle cayenne pepper or hot spices around the perimeter of your garden.
• Consider planting plants such as marigolds, daffodils, or mint to deter them.
• If none of these work, try something different – build a garden for groundhogs.
• Do not use toxicants or kill trapping to control groundhogs; this is prohibited in Pennsylvania.