2024 Photos and Review

2024 SEASON SUMMARY

The 2024 season began with a surprising Groundhog Day sighting of an unidentified chuck. By February 26, four individuals had been observed, and we confirmed that both Winnie and Milo had returned. This marked the third season we had observed Winnie and Milo (sometimes affectionately referred to as Meelo Milo).

In addition to Milo, at least five other chucks visited Winnie during the 2024 season. We named them Rusty, GG, Shabby Tail, Little Man (a suspected yearling), and Muzzie. In past years, when more than one male was present, we were unable to determine whether mating had occurred. In 2024, we were able to confirm that Winnie did mate with more than one male. Even so, we believe the relationship between Milo and Winnie qualified as long-term bonding.

On March 25, we observed an unidentified injured chuck. The following day, a closer look enabled us to identify the injured animal as Meelo Milo. We suspected he had suffered a back injury, likely as the result of a predator encounter. Milo’s condition continued to deteriorate, and sightings of him soon ceased. We were deeply saddened by his loss.

In Milo’s memory, we created a video version of our 11-page 2022 research paper, updated with photographs documenting his life and behavior. (Link: Video Version) Milo is also featured in our second book.

With Milo gone, Rusty appeared to become Winnie’s most frequent visitor, although visits by GG, Shabby Tail, Muzzie, and Little Man continued. Researcher C. Maher has shown through DNA studies that female woodchucks may mate with more than one male, producing litters with more than one father. Among marmots, alpine marmots are the only other species known to exhibit multiple paternity.

Although Winnie appeared to be lactating in April, no young were ever observed. In early April, Rusty was also observed with another female, whom we named Ginny. Sightings of Ginny soon ceased, and it is unknown whether she had offspring. Winnie and Rusty were last observed in late September.

OTHER VISITS

On June 30, we had our first sighting of a juvenile of unknown parentage. After that visit, additional juveniles were observed over time. Their parentage could not be determined. A red fox was seen repeatedly on our property and was documented in photographs inside our barn.

On October 23, another visitor was seen around the barn and deck, foraging in the yard and feeding on dahlia leaves.

COEXISTING WITH THE DIGGERS

We believed our burrow fill-in work completed in 2023 had been successful, but the wire we had used proved to be an insufficient deterrent. Upon emerging from hibernation in 2024, Milo persisted in maintaining a burrow beneath the faux rock. We initially closed the opening, but after discovering Milo’s injury, we reopened it to provide him with a familiar retreat should he need one.

After sightings of Milo ceased, we resumed fill-in work, which involved substantial effort. Along the side of our house, we removed bushes, laid chicken wire and heavy steel mesh, installed a weed barrier, and covered the area with landscape stones. Steel mesh was also placed beneath the faux rock. In addition, damage to the siding’s J-channel caused by chewing required repair.

Winnie later dug a new burrow near the deck. As she already had another burrow nearby, this opening was filled in. A newer burrow north of our driveway has been observed being used by Milo, Winnie, and Rusty. This location does not create conflict with us, though it does present observation challenges.

PUBLICATIONS

In 2024, our long-term observations of wild woodchucks were featured in Nautilus Magazine and were also the subject of an article in All Animals, the Humane Society’s member magazine.

By Susan Sam
January 10, 2026

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS