Because woodchucks can carry rabies, officials are concerned the animals create health risks for people and other animals. If they were released elsewhere, they would displace other woodchucks as well because the habitat is full. Many Gosling Meadows residents also oppose killing the animals, arguing they could easily be released elsewhere. If they wanted to trap them and bring them somewhere else, that's fine. While woodchuck proliferation is not unique in New Hampshire, McConnell said the problem is unusual in an urban setting such as Portsmouth.
Woodchucks are rodents, and they are very prolific.