How to Observe Woodchucks

By eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Large branches
Grass
Stones
Comfortable chair
Binoculars
Camera
Tripod
Snacks
Water
Journal
Pencil

Step 1:
Locate an occupied woodchuck burrow. If the outside of the burrow is clean and has fresh tracks or trampled-down paths to the entrance, then there is a good chance a woodchuck lives there.
Step 2:
Plan your observation during an active time for woodchucks. Early morning and late afternoon are the woodchuck's favorite time of day to eat. Like most hibernating mammals, it is most active during the warmer months.
Step 3:
Choose a spot that is a comfortable distance from the woodchuck's burrow to use as your shelter. Woodchucks never wander far from their burrows, but you'll want to make sure that your blind is not in the way of the woodchuck's usual passageways.
Step 4:
Build your blind out of large branches, tufts of grass and stones that are readily available in the area. You can make a short-term shelter out of just these elements, or you can set up a neutral-colored tent and use these items to camouflage it. If you would like something more permanent, an aluminum hunting shelter can be found at any large sporting goods store.
Step 5:
Observe the woodchuck from behind the screen. Sit quietly without making sudden movements so you can blend into the scenery, without alerting any animals to your presence.
Step 6:
Lure the woodchuck closer to your blind by tossing out small pieces of food. Only provide food that the woodchuck would normally eat.
Step 7:
Attach your camera to the tripod and position it where it has a clear shot of the burrow, but it is not sticking out in a way that may alarm the animal.
Step 8:
Record the activities of the woodchuck. Documenting the woodchuck's behavior could prove useful for local wildlife authorities who may be researching the animal or its surroundings.
Step 9:
Leave your observation area in its original condition. Pick up all of your belongings and remove every scrap of trash.

Tips & Warnings

Avoid using the flash on your camera. Even in broad daylight, this could frighten any animal.
Never touch or pick up a wild animal. Woodchucks may look cute and cuddly, but they can inflict a nasty bite or spread disease and parasites.
Get permission to inhabit the land where you are observing the woodchuck. Many people actually hunt woodchuck, and you could be in serious danger if a hunter doesn't know you're tucked behind that pile of branches.

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