Around the JerSey Shore

In Celebration Of …The Groundhog

Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

That’s right! Celebration. While there are many who complain about the groundhog, what they may not understand is how necessary they are. The services they perform benefit humans, farmers, gardeners, and even other species.

Can their burrows cause problems? Yes. A burrow located under protective fences used to keep other pests out, now allows access. In fields where tractors are used, can cause the ground to collapse under the weight of tractors. In rare cases burrows can affect the foundation of building. In comparison to the advantages of having groundhogs, those risks are minimal.

The most obvious benefits would be that they are responsible for aerating the soil. The same soil that contributes to the growth of plants. Soil that is unturned becomes limited in oxygen, making the roots hard to breathe. Groundhogs burrowing helps to mix the organic matter that accumulates on top of the soil. Within that mix are carbohydrates which helps to feed organisms like worms and mites. Other nutrients such as phosphorus, iron and calcium will leach from the top of the soil as rainwater sends them deeper into the ground. The groundhog digs its burrow, and this process delivers these nutrients deeper. As a result, this provides food for microorganisms, bringing minerals to the surface for plants to reuse them. It’s a process that is necessary.

The burrows of groundhogs are more than holes in the underground. While the groundhog gets the negative reputation, the reality is that other species will share these burrows, which are a network of rooms where animals such as rabbits, raccoons and skunks can occupy. Depending upon where you live, other larger creatures such as snakes, otters, foxes, will take over a burrow after a groundhog has moved out. These animals are natural predators who will prey on agricultural pests.

So, when you see a groundhog, maybe you will look upon them as an important resource and appreciate them for all the benefits they bring to many!

Information for this article from was gathered through multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768. It is illegal to possess or relocate wildlife for any reason without the proper state and/or federal permits. Violating New Jersey laws protecting wildlife, which includes harm inflicted upon any animal, are punishable by law.

Ocean Ride Customers Are Target Of New Scam

By Chris Lundy

OCEAN COUNTY – County officials are warning residents who use Ocean Ride that there are scammers calling them to get personal information.

“We want our residents, especially our seniors, to be aware of scam calls that are claiming to be Ocean Ride employees looking for account information,” said Ocean County Commissioner Gary Quinn, who serves as liaison to the program. “It is important for everyone to remember to never give out personal information at the request of the caller.”

Ocean Ride staff will never call about payment of an overdue account, officials said. Additionally, you should never give out credit card numbers, bank account info or Social Security numbers to anyone over the phone. If someone is calling you asking for this information, they are most likely taking you for a ride – and not in a good way.

“Unfortunately scammers have developed sophisticated systems that look as if a call is coming from Ocean County when it is not,” said Commissioner Director Joseph H. Vicari. “If the call does not sound legitimate, trust your instincts and reach out to Ocean Ride directly to verify.”

If you have questions about your billing, you can call Ocean Ride directly at 732-736-8989, ext. 1. For more information, visit co.ocean.nj.us/ oc/transportation.