Portland, KY — Following three days of heavy rain, we are seeing a surge in calls from the Portland and Shawnee neighborhoods. Rising groundwater is flooding burrows, forcing groundhogs and opossums to seek dry shelter under raised porches and crawl spaces.

Residents should inspect their foundation vents and lattice work. If you see fresh digging or animals entering, do not seal the hole yet—you may trap them inside. Call for an inspection to verify the animal is out before closing off the access point.

The Impact of Flooding on Wildlife

Burrowing animals like groundhogs and skunks live underground. When the water table rises or heavy rains saturate the soil, their dens flood. This forces them to evacuate immediately.

In urban neighborhoods like Portland, the driest, safest high ground is often under your house. Raised porches, crawl spaces with missing vent covers, and sheds become emergency shelters for displaced wildlife.

Opossums on the Move

Opossums are not burrowers, but they often use abandoned groundhog holes or den under structures. The flooding forces them out into the open, where they may be seen during the day (which is unusual for these nocturnal animals) seeking a dry place to sleep.

They are opportunistic and will take advantage of any opening. A loose lattice panel or a gap in the foundation is an open invitation.

What to Look For

• Fresh Digging: New piles of dirt next to your porch or foundation.
• Dislodged Vents: Crawl space vents that have been pushed in or pulled out.
• Daytime Sightings: Seeing opossums or groundhogs wandering in your yard during the day.
• Noises: Scratching or thumping sounds under your floorboards.

Safety Warning

If you find an animal under your porch, do not corner it. Opossums will hiss and bare their teeth as a defense mechanism. Groundhogs can be aggressive if threatened.

Do not seal the hole immediately. If you block the exit while the animal is inside, it may die (causing a terrible odor) or try to dig its way up into your home.

Contact Critter Removal of Louisville. We can install a one-way door that allows the animal to leave once the water recedes but prevents it from coming back in.