Identifying the Culprits Behind Mysterious Yard Holes

What’s Digging in Your Landscape?

Discovering 20 small holes—each about two inches deep—in dry, rocky soil far from the house can be puzzling. Without seeing the holes’ width, timing, or duration, pinpointing the exact animal is challenging, but several common suspects fit the description.

Likely Suspects

• Raccoons and skunks often dig shallow pits while foraging for grubs, earthworms, and insects.
• Armadillos (where present) create similar holes as they root for invertebrates.
• Opossums and foxes may also dig opportunistically.

How to Narrow It Down

Note the following details to improve identification:

• Hole diameter and exact depth
• Time of day/night when new holes appear
• Whether holes appear in a single night or over several days
• Presence of tracks, scat, or disturbed mulch nearby

Helpful Resources

The ICWDM website (icwdm.org) hosts an inspection gallery with photos of typical damage signs. Comparing your holes to those images can help rule out culprits before deciding on control measures.

If the damage persists, consider setting a trail camera or consulting a local wildlife control professional for an on-site assessment.