Groundhog Diseases
Groundhogs in your yard pose a variety of dangers. There is the obvious risk to your property, but there is also the risk to your health.
Groundhogs are small, yes, but they can carry diseases. These diseases pose a significant risk to your health and life, and some may result in death if exposed. You want to make sure that you are careful around these animals.
Do not assume a groundhog is safe to be around for any reason. Regardless of what you may think, this is a wild animal. It can carry diseases and it can be defensive. You want to be safe when around them and you want to do what is best for your health and safety.
Diseases of Groundhogs
There are several diseases that groundhogs may carry. One of the most concerning is rabies. Groundhogs are common carriers of rabies, a disease that can lead to death if transmitted.
Rabies is a disease that, rightfully, scares most people. Contracting rabies can lead to death if not treated immediately. It is painful and it is not something you ever want to deal with. Groundhogs being carriers makes them all the scarier. You do not want to have any interaction with them with rabies being a risk you face.
Rabies is not the only disease they carry, however. Other diseases, like tularemia, are found with groundhogs, as well. Since they are wild animals, you will also have to consider the fact that they may carry diseases related to ticks, mites, fleas, and other insects.
In all cases, the diseases do pose a risk to you. You do not want to handle a groundhog at any point nor do you want to go near one.
What to Do
You cannot go near the groundhog, of course, so what do you do? There are options for dealing with a groundhog on your property without facing the risk of exposure to diseases.
You can trap the groundhog. There are live and kill traps available that work easily. You place them where necessary, bait them, and wait for the groundhog to go in.
Once caught, use gloves and other safety equipment when handling the trap. Alive or dead, there is the risk of exposure to diseases.
You can always contact animal control if you need assistance and feel you cannot handle this on your own.
Groundhogs may be small, but they can pose a serious risk to your health. Be safe about them to avoid exposure.
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