Each summer we battle the groundhogs at our little hobby farm. I spent some time learning about groundhogs so that I could (try to) outsmart them and deter them from our homestead.
As I researched, I wondered, “Do Groundhogs Eat Rabbits?”
Yes, groundhogs are omnivores and have been known to attack and eat rabbits. Although not a primary rabbit predator, a hungry groundhog may seize the opportunity and attack a nest of bunnies, or even the adult rabbits.
In the video below, the rabbit hops in and out of the party of skunk, groundhog, raccoon, and opossum feasting on backyard birdseed.
GroundHogs Eat Rabbits
Groundhogs are thought to be herbivores, but in fact they are omnivores. Groundhogs are not on the top of the rabbit predator list, but groundhogs are a threat to rabbits.
It’s not likely that a groundhog will be able to chase down a healthy adult rabbit.
Most at risk from groundhogs is a nest of baby bunnies in the grass or along a hedgerow. A groundhog doesn’t have to do much work to feast on a nest of baby bunnies.
Do Woodchucks Bother Rabbits
Yes, a woodchuck may bother rabbits. In particular, a woodchuck, also known as a groundhog, may eat a nest of baby bunnies. A woodchuck is not likely to catch a healthy rabbit.
Can My Rabbit Get Rabies From A Groundhog
Yes, your homestead rabbit may contract rabies from an infected ground hog.
Groundhogs are not considered to be frequent carriers of rabies in the USA, but if they are in a scrap with a rabid animal, such as a skunk, then they may contract the rabies virus. If that groundhog then gets into a scrap with one of your rabbits, it may transmit the disease to your rabbit. We agree that this is highly unlikely, but not out of the question.
Keeping Rabbits Safe From Predators and Pests
As always, one of the primary ways to protect your hobby farm or homestead bunnies is to provide them with proper housing.
Proper housing for your bunnies means a shelter, most often a rabbit hutch, that protects them from the extremes of the weather as well as from pests and predators.
Some rabbit owners stress the need for hutches and cages with solid bottoms vice wire mesh. They feel that the solid floor provides more protection for rabbits against pesky intruders and predators such as foxes, coyotes, and racoons, feral cats; and in this case groundhogs.
Ensuring that your hobby farm and homestead bunnies are safe from the rabies virus means ensuring that the local predators can not get their mouths on your rabbits.
Hutches and cages need to be well built. Additionally, we encourage a solid bottom and some solid walls for a portion of the rabbit’s hutch.
A “hiding box”, similar to a nesting box, will suffice. This allows your rabbit a refuge from a local predator that finds the hutch and decides to linger. A lingering predator will stress your rabbits, but if they can hide in a sheltered part of their hutch, then they will feel more secure and less stressed.
Additionally, as they hide in the portion of solid floor and solid walls, they will not get nipped by the predator and risk contracting the rabies virus.
Lastly, most hutches are high enough off the ground that most groundhogs would have a hard time reaching the floor of the hutch.
For more on rabbits and rabies: Can Rabbits Have Rabies
A well built Rabbit Tractor is also safe for your rabbits. By definition the rabbit tractor is built to protect your bunnies from predators while affording your rabbits access to fresh grass and some space to move around.
For more on Rabbit Tractors: Rabbit Tractor: Pros and Cons
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Groundhogs Eat Rabbits
Is a Groundhog Bigger Than a Rabbit?
We think of the average full grown groundhog being larger than the average rabbit. The average full grown groundhog weighs 5 to 14 pounds, that’s quite a range. Similarly, depending mostly on breed, the weight of the average rabbit varies from 4 to 12 pounds.
Are Groundhogs Attracted To Rabbit Food?
Yes, a hungry groundhog, along with a whole host of rabbit predators, is likely very attracted to rabbit pellets.
Learn about proper storage of rabbit pellets here: How To Store Rabbit Pellets
Cool video showing Rabbit, Groundhog, Opossum, Skunk and Raccoon
feasting on birdseed in the backyard!
Final Thoughts on Groundhogs Eat Rabbits
Wild rabbits may be eaten by groundhogs. In particular, a nest of baby bunnies may be eaten by a groundhog that happens to find them.
Rabbits may contract rabies if they fight with an infected animal, such as a ground hog.
The best way to keep your homestead rabbits healthy and safe is to provide them with the proper shelter from pests and predators.