Finding mysterious holes in your yard can be both puzzling and frustrating. These unwanted excavations might damage your garden, create tripping hazards, or even undermine structures on your property. Knowing which critter is responsible helps you choose the right solution to protect your outdoor space.
Wildlife management may require professional assistance in some cases. Always check local regulations before attempting to trap or remove animals, as many species are protected by law in Canada. This article provides identification guidance only, not removal instructions.
1. Look For Hole Size And Shape
The dimensions of a hole tell quite a story about its creator. Small, neat holes about 1-2 inches wide often belong to voles or mice, while larger 3-4 inch openings might be from chipmunks.
Skunks and raccoons typically dig broader, shallow holes with disturbed soil spread around the edges. Groundhogs create substantial burrows with entrance holes up to 12 inches wide.
2. Check For Paw Prints Around The Area
Fresh digging often leaves behind telltale footprints in the soft soil. Raccoons leave distinct five-toed prints resembling tiny human handprints, while skunks leave five-toed tracks with visible claw marks.
Squirrels produce small prints with four toes on front paws and five on back paws. Rabbits leave distinctive paired tracks showing their larger hind feet.
3. Timing Of Digging Activity
When the holes appear provides important clues. Fresh morning damage often points to nocturnal diggers like skunks, raccoons, or opossums who work under cover of darkness.
Activity during daylight hours might indicate squirrels, chipmunks, or groundhogs. Seasonal patterns matter too – spring digging often relates to nesting, while fall digging may involve food storage.
4. Examine Digging Patterns And Location
Gophers create mounds in lines as they tunnel underground, while moles produce raised ridges across your lawn. Squirrels prefer digging near trees or bird feeders where they bury nuts.
Skunks often dig multiple small holes in lawns hunting for grubs. Groundhogs typically place burrows near field edges with good visibility, while rabbits create shallow depressions under bushes.
5. Look For Other Evidence Nearby
Animals leave behind more than just holes. Droppings near excavations offer excellent identification clues – rabbit pellets are round, while deer mouse droppings resemble dark rice grains.
Food remnants matter too! Half-eaten vegetables point to rabbits or groundhogs. Scattered seed hulls suggest chipmunks or squirrels. Rolled-back lawn sections often indicate skunks hunting for tasty insect larvae.
6. Set Up A Wildlife Camera
Sometimes mystery diggers require technological sleuthing! Trail cameras with motion sensors capture creatures in action without disturbing them. Place the camera facing the holes, about 3-5 feet away with a clear view.
Modern options include night vision capabilities for nocturnal visitors. Many models connect to smartphones, sending real-time alerts when activity occurs – perfect for catching your yard excavator red-handed!
