Animal Hole Identification

Are wondering, “What animal is digging in my yard?” “What animal caused that hole?” “What size hole does an animal use?” Below we will answer questions about animal holes, ground holes and wildlife holes. Animal hole sizes can provide information as to what animal or wildlife is the source. However sometimes, a smaller animal such as a chipmunk could use a raccoon hole which is larger. Let's learn more about Animal Hole Identification! Animal Holes

Structural Hole Identification

Mouse and Bats: Size of a pencil (3/8")

Rat, Chipmunk, Flying Squirrel: Size of a quarter (1”)

Tree Squirrel, Skunk: Size of a baseball (1½”-3”)

Raccoon: Size of a grapefruit (4"+)

Ground Hole Identification

Rat: Holes tend to be 2-3 inches wide and smooth from repeated use. Rats are secretive and rarely seen during the day. If you see them during daylight hours, it means you have a lot of rats on the premises.

Skunks: Skunks will dig specific and individual holes in their quest for grubs and lawn insects. They will be systematic, moving from section to section each night. Skunks can also be under sheds, porches and other covered and dark crawl spaces. Skunk odor is not always present.

Voles: The Pine Vole has dime sized holes, often around the roots of plants. Voles are primarily nocturnal.

Woodchuck: Dens do not always have two holes, averaging around 8" wide. But one hole will have dirt porch in front. Woodchucks avoid wet soils. Since woodchucks are active during daylight, their holes can often be distinguished from other creatures like badgers and skunks. It is common to see flies around the entrance of an active woodchuck burrow.

How do you tell if an animal hole is active?

• Check for tracks.
• Inspected for animal droppings.
• Inspected for the presence of young animals at the burrow entrance.
• The entrance will be hard and clear of leaves and debris.
• Rodent holes will be clean and smooth with noticeable oils from rodent’s fur.

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