The post Rabbit Den vs. Groundhog Burrow: Which Animal Dug That Hole? appeared first on A-Z Animals.
Critters will always make themselves at home where they are not wanted, whether in rural or urban settings. Sometimes it is inside the house. Other times, it is outdoors. But in all instances, homeowners wish to keep their abode as pest-free as possible. Holes suddenly appearing in the yard can become a nuisance. Before proper steps are taken to remedy the problem, the creature causing the damage needs to be identified. This is not always easy to do, especially with animals that share the same habitat, such as rabbits and groundhogs.
Similarities Between Rabbit Dens and Groundhog Burrows
Rabbit dens and groundhog burrows differ very little from one another on the surface.
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The appearance of rabbit dens and groundhog burrows differs little from one another. It is not until the inside is inspected that the differences become apparent. Even then, the slight variations between the two are not dramatic. Differences stem from the distinct purposes each hole serves. Whereas groundhogs use their burrows as homes, rabbits use their dens to seek shelter from predators and rear their young. Consequently, the overall look is similar, but the structure may vary slightly.
In areas where rabbits dig into the earth and burrow, holes often lead to one or two chambers. However, across North America, some rabbit species dig holes, while others do not. Those that do not, such as the cottontail rabbit, create a depression in the earth where they can sleep and rest. These rabbits are more apt to be found under bushes or tall grasses, where they are protected and camouflaged as they rest.
The pygmy rabbit and the European rabbit both burrow and build dens, leaving a mound of dirt at the entrance. These dens have several exits. Additionally, the rabbit will dig out chambers that can lead down nearly 10 feet, where they can find grass and other soft materials. This allows the rabbit to regulate its temperature and provides a comfortable place for its babies. The varying materials used to accomplish this are removed from the den and piled up outside near the entrance.
Groundhog burrows, on the other hand, tend to have one main entrance and multiple exits. The mounds of dirt near the entrance are decently sized, given that groundhogs are larger than rabbits and the displaced dirt must make room for the animal and its many chambers underground.
The size of the openings is approximately 10 to 12 inches wide and leads to a burrow that can be as much as six feet deep. The opening breaks off into multiple chambers that are all connected via a tunnel system. Each tunnel is up to six inches in diameter, leading to a chamber that has an individual purpose. These burrows contain many chambers, despite groundhogs being solitary creatures. With sleeping quarters, a place to eat, and even a place to use the restroom, groundhog burrows have it all. While only certain species of rabbits dig dens, all groundhogs live in multi-tunnel homes.
Why Rabbits And Groundhogs Dig Holes
Rabbits and groundhogs dig in the ground for safety and security.
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In the United States, there are over a dozen native rabbit species, including several cottontails, the swamp rabbit, and the pygmy rabbit. Of these, the pygmy rabbit is unique in regularly digging its own burrows, while most other native rabbits, such as cottontails, typically use shallow forms or take shelter in existing burrows made by other animals.
Groundhogs dig both a winter and summer burrow to account for the change in temperature during each time of year. Consequently, the winter burrow will keep the groundhogs warm while they hibernate, and the summer burrow will keep the groundhogs cool as outside temperatures soar.
The two burrows are located relatively close to each other. While it is not unheard of for groundhogs to use their burrows more than once, the animals will dig multiple burrows in their lifetimes.
Among the multiple chambers in a groundhog burrow is a place to use the bathroom. Once this toilet chamber is full, the groundhog walls it off and creates a new area for the same purpose.
Rabbits primarily build dens as a place to retreat if a predator is chasing them. They are also designed to provide rabbits with a place to sleep and raise their young. While rabbits do not hibernate, they ensure their dens keep them warm during winter and cool during summer when temperatures rise.
Unlike groundhogs, rabbits do not have a bathroom chamber. Rabbits instead go to the bathroom outside. Therefore, if pellets are seen outside of the hole, it is a good indication that you’re dealing with a bunny.
Rabbits Have Been Known to Inhabit Groundhog Burrows
Rabbits have been known to take over abandoned groundhog burrows.
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To make matters a bit more complicated, rabbits sometimes take over groundhog burrows. While perplexing, it is not uncommon for cottontails, specifically, to use the abandoned burrow of a groundhog.
Species of rabbits that do not dig dens must still find shelter from the elements or predators when needed. Because rabbits and groundhogs share the same habitat, it is not uncommon for a rabbit to seek refuge in a groundhog burrow that is no longer being used.
Generally speaking, once the danger has passed, the rabbit inhabiting the burrow will leave. There is no interest in living in the burrow long-term. But if a rabbit knows there is a vacant burrow that can be used for shelter, it will return when shelter is required. If homeowners do not want rabbits or groundhogs on their property, the burrows should be filled in once the creatures are no longer using them to keep the animals from returning.
Watch the Hole at Dawn or Dusk to See Which Animal Emerges
Both rabbits and groundhogs are seen most often during the early morning and late afternoon hours.
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If you’re unsure which animal has taken up residence in your yard but suspect it is a groundhog or rabbit, the best approach is to watch the hole at dawn or dusk to see which creature emerges. This is because both the groundhog and rabbits have a propensity to look for food during this time.
Rabbits and groundhogs are most often seen in the early morning or into the evening because they are both crepuscular animals. This means they leave their shelters to forage for food before and after the height of the day. Groundhogs and rabbits do this to avoid predators, eat vegetation that is more nutrient-dense, and avoid competition with other animals that may be trying to do the same during the day.
If it is physically impossible to watch the comings and goings of the hole in the yard, putting up a game camera is the next best thing. This will allow homeowners to watch the footage on their own time to see what animal is living in their yard. Once it has been determined if a rabbit or groundhog is on the loose, the proper steps can be taken to remove the animal, if that is what is desired. However, considering that groundhog burrows can benefit the soil, it may be worth reconsidering the destruction of the burrow if it is not located in a part of the yard that could cause harm.
How Groundhog Burrows Are Beneficial to Soil
Groundhogs oxygenate the soil, making it healthier for plants.
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Groundhog activity is generally deemed to be something of a nuisance. This is because groundhogs have been the culprits behind crop damage, have caused structural damage to buildings, destroyed gardens, and even gnawed through electrical and cable lines to create their burrows. Despite this, groundhog activity can be beneficial, depending on where the critters dig their burrows.
The burrows that groundhogs create are beneficial for the soil. This is because the depths that groundhogs dig expose long, compacted soil. By exposing the soil to the air, the plants that are growing at the surface receive extra oxygenation. This helps the plants grow stronger and longer, a process that will continue until the burrow is destroyed.
In addition to bringing oxygen to the roots, groundhog burrows also help to mix the soil to make it more fertile. As the soil is mixed, nutrients like iron and nitrogen are brought from the surface into deeper areas of the earth. This creates reservoirs of nutrient-rich soil that are not only favorable for plants growing on the surface but for earthworms as well.
There is no denying the amount of damage groundhog burrows and rabbit dens can cause. This is why, unless one of the creatures is wreaking havoc in a portion of the yard where domestic animals live or plants and crops are being grown, experts recommend allowing the animals to live out their season in their tunnels. When the rabbits and groundhogs have vacated the premises, fill the holes to prevent them from returning, as they will come back if they believe they have a safe place to tunnel and live underground.
The post Rabbit Den vs. Groundhog Burrow: Which Animal Dug That Hole? appeared first on A-Z Animals.
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