Last updated on: July 16, 2025

Types of Varment Commonly Found in North America

Varment, also spelled “varmint,” refers to various types of wild animals that are often considered pests or nuisances by farmers, ranchers, and homeowners. These animals can cause significant damage to crops, livestock, property, and even native wildlife populations. In North America, where diverse ecosystems support a wide range of species, several types of varment are commonly encountered. Understanding these animals, their behaviors, and their impact is crucial for effective management and control.

What is Varment?

The term “varment” generally encompasses small to medium-sized mammals and birds that are often targeted for population control due to their negative effects on agriculture or property. These animals may be predators, burrowers, or simply opportunistic feeders that thrive in human-modified landscapes.

While the specific definition of varment can vary by region and context, it typically includes species such as groundhogs, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, skunks, rabbits, squirrels, and certain birds like crows and magpies. Hunters and pest control professionals often focus efforts on these species to protect crops and livestock.

Common Types of Varment in North America

1. Groundhogs (Woodchucks)

Scientific name: Marmota monax

Groundhogs are large rodents belonging to the marmot family. They are among the most notorious varments in North America due to their burrowing habits and appetite for garden plants.

Habitat: Groundhogs prefer open fields, farmlands, and edges of wooded areas.
Impact: Their extensive burrowing can undermine building foundations, irrigation systems, and farm equipment. Groundhogs also feed on vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants.
Behavior: They are primarily herbivores but can occasionally consume insects. Groundhogs hibernate during winter but are active during spring to early fall.

2. Raccoons

Scientific name: Procyon lotor

Raccoons are highly adaptable mammals known for their dexterous front paws and masked facial markings.

Habitat: Found across urban and rural areas alike; raccoons thrive near water sources such as rivers and lakes.
Impact: Raccoons frequently raid garbage cans, pet food dishes, poultry coops, and gardens. They can carry diseases like rabies.
Behavior: Omnivorous and nocturnal; they eat fruits, nuts, insects, small animals, and human food waste.

3. Coyotes

Scientific name: Canis latrans

Coyotes are medium-sized predators renowned for their intelligence and adaptability to various environments.

Habitat: From deserts to forests and urban fringes.
Impact: Coyotes prey on small livestock such as sheep and poultry and sometimes pose risks to pets.
Behavior: Opportunistic hunters; their diet includes rodents, rabbits, birds, fruits, and carrion.

4. Foxes

Scientific names: Primarily Vulpes vulpes (Red Fox) and Urocyon cinereoargenteus (Gray Fox)

Foxes are slender mammals with bushy tails known for their cunning nature.

Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands, agricultural areas, even suburban neighborhoods.
Impact: Predation on small livestock like chickens; occasional garden damage.
Behavior: Mostly nocturnal; diets include rodents, rabbits, insects, fruits.

5. Skunks

Scientific name: Mephitis mephitis (Striped Skunk) is the most common species.

Skunks are famous for their defensive spray but are also considered varments due to their burrowing habits.

Habitat: Fields, forests edges, suburban yards.
Impact: Digging around lawns or under porches; predation on poultry; potential carriers of rabies.
Behavior: Nocturnal omnivores feeding on insects, small rodents, fruits.

6. Rabbits

Scientific names: Various species including Sylvilagus floridanus (Eastern Cottontail)

Rabbits are prolific breeders causing widespread damage to crops and ornamental plants.

Habitat: Meadows, fields, suburban gardens.
Impact: Feeding on young shoots of vegetables; bark stripping on young trees.
Behavior: Crepuscular (active at dawn/dusk); herbivorous diet focused on grasses and leafy plants.

7. Squirrels

Scientific names: Various species including Sciurus carolinensis (Eastern Gray Squirrel)

Squirrels are agile climbers that can become nuisances in both urban parks and farms.

Habitat: Woodlands; urban parks; residential yards.
Impact: Damage to bird feeders; gnawing on electrical wires; crop raiding.
Behavior: Diurnal herbivores with a preference for nuts and seeds but also eat fruits.

8. Birds: Crows and Magpies

Scientific names:
– American Crow: Corvus brachyrhynchos
– Black-billed Magpie: Pica hudsonia

These intelligent birds often form large flocks that can devastate grain fields or fruit orchards.

Habitat: Open farmlands to suburban areas.
Impact: Crop damage through feeding on seeds or young fruits; predation on smaller birds’ nests.
Behavior: Highly social; omnivorous diet including seeds, insects, carrion.

Lesser-Known Varments

While the above species are the most commonly recognized varments in North America, other animals occasionally cause problems depending on the region:

Nutria (Myocastor coypus): Large semi-aquatic rodents invasive in some southern states damaging wetlands.
Beavers (Castor canadensis): Known for dam-building that can flood farmland or block drainage systems.
Opossums (Didelphis virginiana): Sometimes classified as pests due to raiding garbage or poultry.

Managing Varment Populations

Controlling varment populations balances protecting agricultural interests with ecological considerations. Here are common strategies:

Habitat Modification

Removing food sources like exposed garbage or unsecured pet food reduces attraction. Clearing brush piles or sealing access points discourages denning near homes or barns.

Exclusion Techniques

Installing fencing around gardens or poultry areas effectively keeps out many varments such as rabbits or foxes. Electric fences can deter larger predators like coyotes.

Trapping and Relocation

Live traps allow capture without harm but require following local regulations regarding relocation permits. Some jurisdictions prohibit moving wildlife due to disease transmission risks.

Hunting and Culling

Licensed hunting remains a widely used method particularly for controlling predator populations such as coyotes or foxes that threaten livestock.

Chemical Controls

Use of rodenticides or repellents should be cautious due to environmental impacts. Integrated pest management emphasizes non-lethal approaches first.

Importance of Varment Awareness

Understanding which animals qualify as varments helps landowners take targeted action before problems escalate. Early identification combined with proactive measures can prevent costly damage to crops or property while minimizing harm to native wildlife populations.

Varment management should always consider humane practices aligned with local wildlife laws. Consulting with wildlife professionals ensures solutions tailored for specific regions and situations.

Conclusion

North America hosts a diverse array of varment species ranging from groundhogs digging tunnels beneath farmland to clever raccoons rummaging through garbage bins at night. Each presents unique challenges requiring informed approaches for control. Whether dealing with burrowing rodents like groundhogs or predatory carnivores such as coyotes and foxes, understanding these animals’ habits is key to effective management.

By combining habitat modification, exclusion techniques, responsible trapping or hunting where legal—and prioritizing coexistence whenever possible—farmers and homeowners can minimize economic losses while preserving the natural balance of local ecosystems.