Groundhogs & Cemeteries

Groundhog Removal from a Cemetery: Protecting Sacred Ground

At Frontline Animal Removal, we respond to all sorts of nuisance wildlife calls throughout Stark, Summit, and Portage Counties.

One job that stands out for its importance and sensitivity is groundhog removal from cemeteries. These spaces are meant to be places of rest, reverence, and remembrance—but unfortunately, they can also become attractive burrowing grounds for groundhogs.

In this week’s video, Ryan is removing groundhogs from a local cemetery. This cemetery had ongoing signs of groundhog activity, and the damage was starting to become serious. Our goal in these jobs is simple: remove the animals causing structural and aesthetic problems before the damage becomes worse.

Why Groundhogs Are a Problem in Cemeteries

Groundhogs, also called woodchucks, are expert diggers. Their burrows can be extensive, often stretching 25 feet or more with multiple entrances and chambers. While this may be fascinating from a wildlife perspective, it causes real problems when these animals choose to dig in a cemetery.

The primary concern is their potential to undermine headstones. Groundhog tunnels can loosen the soil around grave markers, especially older ones that may already be leaning or loosely set. Over time, this burrowing weakens the ground support under the stone, increasing the risk that it will tip or fall. For families and cemetery caretakers, a tipped headstone is not only a safety hazard—it’s a distressing sight in a space meant to honor loved ones.

Additionally, groundhog activity creates visible mounds and open holes across the landscape. These are trip hazards for visitors and groundskeepers alike. They also make mowing difficult, and if left unchecked, can give parts of the cemetery an unkempt appearance. Maintaining a clean and respectful presentation is important for cemetery staff, and groundhog damage can seriously interfere with that.

Here’s the situation:

The Issue with Older Headstones

Many older cemeteries still have headstones that were placed using traditional techniques. In years past, headstones were often set directly into the earth or onto small concrete pads without deep foundations. This was especially common in rural or family plots where funds or technology were limited. Unlike modern markers that are typically anchored with larger concrete bases and better drainage planning, these older stones are more vulnerable to shifting soil.

When groundhogs dig under these types of stones, they can quickly destabilize them. In some cemeteries, it becomes an ongoing effort to reset or even rebuild toppled markers. This adds significant cost and labor to cemetery upkeep—especially when the same burrows are still active.

A Note for Cemetery Visitors

If you are visiting a cemetery and notice fresh dirt mounds, open holes, or signs of groundhog activity near headstones, please notify the cemetery administrators or grounds crew. Your observation might help prevent a headstone from tipping or keep someone from stumbling in a hidden burrow hole. Early detection is key, and caretakers will appreciate knowing about wildlife issues before they escalate.

Groundhog Trapping and Ongoing Management

At Frontline Animal Removal, we handle trapping and removal of nuisance groundhogs across our service area.

Jobs like this cemetery require special attention—not just because of the sensitive setting, but because groundhogs are persistent animals. Even after removing a few, it’s common for new individuals to move into the same attractive location.

That’s why we often leave fresh traps behind after each pickup. It takes consistent monitoring and trapping to fully clear an area. In some cases, minor habitat modifications or exclusion work might be needed to discourage future digging near headstones.

Conclusion

Cemeteries are sacred spaces that deserve care and respect—not just from people, but in the way we manage wildlife conflicts. Groundhogs can cause serious and costly problems in cemeteries through their burrowing activity, undermining headstones, and creating hazards for visitors. Removing them helps protect the integrity of the site and keeps it safe and dignified for all who visit.

If you’re responsible for cemetery grounds in the Canton, Akron, or Kent area—or if you’ve noticed burrowing in a cemetery you visit—Frontline Animal Removal is here to help. We have the experience to handle these situations professionally and effectively, always with the goal of preserving the space’s integrity.