Residents in one Toledo, Ohio, neighborhood say groundhogs are digging through yards, driveways, and areas near home foundations, leaving some homeowners worried about property damage.
The problem is centered in the Junction neighborhood, where people on Vance Street told 13abc that groundhogs have become an everyday sight.
Paulette Mason-Bates said the animals “run rampant” and act like they own the neighborhood. Residents said they have seen groundhogs near Bellmont and Junction, in empty lots, and across open grass.
The problem gets harder to dismiss when the digging reaches the parts of a property people use every day. Holes near sidewalks, driveways, sheds, garden beds, or foundations can leave homeowners worrying about cracked pavement, drainage trouble, and damage close to the house.
Neighbors Say the Holes Are Causing Damage
One resident told 13abc that a sidewalk is caving in because of the tunnels. Another hole was found under a bush next to a home’s foundation, according to the station.
Residents said they have tried patching holes, spraying repellents, and placing rocks near their homes to keep the groundhogs from digging. Some neighbors said they paid exterminators hundreds of dollars, only for the animals to return months later.
The City Says It Does Not Handle Nuisance Animals
Mary Jones, who lives on Blum Street, said she contacted Engage Toledo to ask whether anything could be done. She told 13abc that she was told the city could not handle the groundhogs because they are everywhere.
A city spokesperson told the station that Toledo does not handle nuisance animals. The city also said hunting them is prohibited under city code.
Homeowners May Need a Licensed Trapper
The City of Toledo’s nuisance animal page says residents dealing with animals that cause property damage or pose a health risk need a commercial nuisance wild animal control operator licensed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
The city’s prevention guidance also tells residents not to feed wildlife, to keep pet food indoors, to secure trash with tight lids, and to block access under decks, window wells, and broken foundation areas with mesh hardware cloth.
ODNR says groundhog problems often come from the large holes they dig, and the agency lists groundhogs among nuisance wildlife that may require property-specific control.
One Yard Fix May Not Be Enough
The Junction residents told 13abc they see the animals moving through empty lots, open fields, and multiple blocks.
That kind of pattern can make the problem difficult for one homeowner to solve alone. A patched hole in one yard may help for a while, but nearby burrows, tall grass, open lots, and easy shelter can keep the animals close.
Homeowners dealing with repeated digging should photograph holes, note where burrows appear, check for damage near foundations or paved areas, and use the city’s licensed-trapper guidance before trying to handle nuisance wildlife on their own.