The Killer Instinct

[F, Calla & Luca]

The season has started early here in NJ. On this rainy, gray day I let the dogs out and went to check the mailbox. Luca soon ran down the "field" as I call my long side yard, and I thought he was barking at the dog who lives behind us and across the brook. Unfortunately as I went to investigate I realized that now both dogs had something cornered. A woodchuck.

I have always had woodchucks living beneath my shed. I could never find a humane, environmentally and doodle friendly way to get rid of them. I did buy a device to gas them with CO from the mower but it entailed blocking all exits from their den and I only could locate the main one. I am sorry if even thinking about doing this changes my image for some of you.

I was afraid of the woodchuck since it was baring it's inch long teeth and it's claws were apparent. Only two of the four of us involved have had rabies vaccinations and I was not one. I am glad the dogs also get leptospirosis vaccinations. Calla grabbed the woodchuck by it's middle and she began to shake it. I think she is more courageous than Luca in situations like this. I let out a shriek involuntarily.

I ran to the house to get leashes but I knew I'd be too late. I always mean to leave leashes or at least ropes outside so I can tether the dogs quickly. When I returned the dogs were still harassing the dazed critter who had a wound in it's side. I got Calla and tied her to a tree. Then, with difficulty, since he wouldn't listen to a single command, I got Luca.

The dogs are now in their crates, crate beds removed to facilitate cleanup, and they are muddy and disgusting. And I have to gather my courage and see what remains of the woodchuck. I do think he was mortally wounded.

The quality of the pictures tells you something about my state.

OK, I gathered up my courage and went to see the outcome. The woodchuck was in fact dead. I think the shaking does the deed. I should be sad but I'm relieved. The dogs are none the worse for wear or will be when the dry out and get cleaned off. One less woodchuck to deal with. They scream when frightened and have nearly scared me to death when I've startled one, to say nothing about the digging and plant eating. I would have wished this animal a more peaceful ending, though. I don't think I could have prevented this once it started but more training is always on the list. I really am getting too old for this as I've said before. I wish I could prevent this sort of thing from occurring. Once again I have to reintegrate my inner view of the dogs.

[Jennie & Emma]

Yes, this should work for anything warm blooded, not sure about snakes though.  The ammonia idea was recommended by the City of Alexandria, VA  several years ago.  When the pylons for the Wilson bridge were being dug, it created shaking of the ground that could be felt for miles around.  The rats became afraid/unsettled and caused big problems by taking up residence in sheds, crawl spaces, etc.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Oh gross! We don't have creatures like that here (BTW what is a woodchuck, I mean what species? Looks like a rat)  I can't imagine Riley killing anything he doesn't even chase cats. I would be yelling like a banshee if anything like this happened. I had to wake my partner last night because Riley came in and dropped a slug on the floor which had clung to his coat.  There was no way I was picking that thing up.  I keep seeing that creatures horrible gnashers....

[F, Calla & Luca]

Here you go Nicky. They are also known as groundhogs (not a nice name). And there is an old kids thing that goes, "How much wood would a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood?"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundhog

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Yes, and now we'll never know - how much wood he could have chucked!!!  That is, if he chould have chucked wood in the first place!!!!

[Elizabeth & Cosmo]

A woodchuck, also known as a groundhog, is a large rodent. It's scientific name is Marmota monax. They are related to squirrels, but much bigger and much uglier.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I agree they definitely were not looking at it as food.

[Christine & Camus]

Yikes!  I've never seen a woodchuck and did not realize they had such prominent teeth. I had a dog who would kill possum, but he would just snap their neck -- not play with them.  I would have freaked.  I'm glad you are all okay.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Thanks.

[Sharon & Monty]

Your doggies are lucky that they were not injured.  My grandmothers farm had 2 dogs that were able to run the property.  We called them the twins.  They were tiny mutts that were always injured it seemed.  I remember my uncle dousing them with antibiotics and peroxide on a regular basis.  They would come back with nasty injuries because they loved to chase the groundhogs into their holes.  Unfortunately we have one that took up residence on our property last year, and I'm trying to figure out how to get rid of him without shooting him.  They are a total pain if they get into the garden, they will literally wipe it out!  I've been able to find one hole, but not the other.  

I was wondering why when I first seen your pictures posted earlier in the day that were not very clear......Now I know.  Glad your doggies are ok!  

[F, Calla & Luca]

See Jen and Emma's response on page 2.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

ewwww. At least the woodchuck had a quick death!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Yes sort of.