What Animal Is Digging Holes in My Colorado Yard? (Identification Guide)

Identifying Yard-Digging Wildlife in Colorado

Colorado's dramatic elevation gradient—from the high plains at 3,000 feet to the Rocky Mountain alpine zone above 14,000 feet—creates diverse habitats that support a wide variety of burrowing wildlife. Homeowners in the Centennial State, from Denver suburbs to mountain communities, encounter different types of digging damage depending on their location and elevation. Identifying the animal responsible is the first step toward effective management. Key factors include hole size and shape, mound characteristics, location (urban vs. rural, Front Range vs. Western Slope), and whether the damage occurs during the day or at night.

Key Identification Tip: The presence and shape of a dirt mound is the most important clue. Pocket gophers create fan-shaped or horseshoe-shaped mounds with a visible soil plug. Ground squirrels create small, clean burrow entrances with a modest mound of soil. Prairie dogs create large, volcano-shaped mounds that are carefully maintained. Animals that do not leave mounds—such as skunks and raccoons—dig shallow, cone-shaped holes while foraging for grubs. Diurnal activity (daytime) suggests ground squirrels or prairie dogs, while nocturnal activity suggests skunks, raccoons, or coyotes.

Colorado Yard-Digging Animal Identification Table

Animal	Hole Size & Shape	Depth	Damage Pattern	Colorado Range
Wyoming Ground Squirrel	2–3 inches wide, round, with small dirt mound	2–4 feet deep	Colonial burrows in lawns, pastures, and road embankments; multiple entrances in a small area; diurnal activity	Eastern plains and mountain valleys, up to 10,000 ft
Colorado Pocket Gopher	2–4 inches wide, fan-shaped mound with side plug	6–18 inches (tunnels)	Fan-shaped mounds of loose soil; plants pulled underground; no surface tunnels	Statewide, especially eastern plains and mountain meadows
Black-tailed Prairie Dog	4–6 inches wide, round, with large volcano-shaped mound	3–6 feet deep	Colonial burrow systems (towns) with large, maintained mounds; clipped vegetation around burrows; diurnal	Eastern plains, Front Range grasslands
Striped Skunk	3–4 inches wide, cone-shaped, shallow	1–3 inches	Small cone-shaped holes in lawn; sod peeled back; musky odor; nocturnal	Statewide, up to 8,000 ft
Raccoon	3–5 inches wide, irregular, shallow	1–3 inches	Patches of torn-up sod; gardens raided; garbage cans disturbed; nocturnal	Statewide, especially Front Range urban areas
Meadow Vole	1–2 inches wide, no mound, surface runways	Surface or shallow burrows 2–4 inches deep	Surface runways through grass; gnawed bark at tree bases; small burrow holes	Statewide, especially grassy areas
Coyote	6–12 inches wide, irregular, may dig under fences	1–3 feet (den entrances)	Large digging under fences, decks, and sheds; tracks with visible claw marks; may dig for rodents	Statewide, including suburban areas

Wyoming Ground Squirrel — Colorado's High-Altitude Digger

The Wyoming ground squirrel (Urocitellus elegans) is one of the most common burrowing rodents in Colorado, particularly on the eastern plains and in mountain valleys up to 10,000 feet in elevation. Formerly known as the Richardson's ground squirrel, this species is well-adapted to Colorado's semi-arid grasslands and high-altitude meadows. Wyoming ground squirrels are diurnal, social rodents that live in colonies, creating extensive burrow systems with multiple entrances.

Ground squirrel burrows are 2–3 inches in diameter with a small mound of excavated soil at the entrance. The tunnel system extends 2–4 feet deep and can be 10–20 feet long, with multiple chambers for nesting, food storage, and hibernation. Colonies can contain dozens of individual burrows, creating a honeycomb-like pattern of holes across a lawn or pasture. Wyoming ground squirrels are active from late March through September, depending on elevation, and hibernate during the winter months.

In Colorado, ground squirrels cause significant damage to lawns, golf courses, and agricultural fields. They feed on grasses, seeds, and garden vegetables, and their burrowing can undermine foundations, sidewalks, and irrigation systems. Ground squirrels are also known to chew through sprinkler lines and underground cables. They are prey for hawks, eagles, coyotes, and foxes, and their colonies provide important food resources for these predators. In Colorado, ground squirrels may be taken on private property without a permit when causing damage, though local ordinances may restrict control methods.

Colorado Pocket Gopher — Subsurface Engineer of the Plains

The Colorado pocket gopher (Thomomys clusius) is a solitary, fossorial rodent found throughout Colorado's eastern plains and mountain meadows. This species is named for its fur-lined cheek pouches (pockets) used to carry food. Colorado pocket gophers are well-adapted to the state's diverse soils, from the sandy loam of the eastern plains to the rocky soils of mountain meadows. They are active year-round and do not hibernate, though their surface activity decreases during winter.

Pocket gopher damage is unmistakable: fan-shaped or horseshoe-shaped mounds of loose soil, 2–4 inches in diameter, with a visible soil plug on one side. Unlike moles, pocket gophers do not create raised surface tunnels. Instead, they excavate an extensive network of underground tunnels 6–18 inches below the surface, pushing excess soil to the surface through lateral tunnels. The mounds are often clustered in a line or scattered across an area. Gophers also create feeder holes—small openings where they have pulled a plant underground, leaving the plant completely missing from the soil surface.

In Colorado, pocket gophers are a significant pest in alfalfa fields, hay meadows, and residential lawns. Their mounds can damage farm equipment, create tripping hazards, and ruin the aesthetic appearance of lawns. Gophers also feed on the roots of trees, shrubs, and garden plants, causing wilting or death. Pocket gophers are classified as nongame wildlife in Colorado and may be taken on private property without a permit. However, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) recommends using integrated pest management approaches, including trapping and habitat modification.

Black-Tailed Prairie Dog — Colorado's Iconic Burrowing Rodent

The black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) is one of the most recognizable and ecologically important animals of the Colorado plains. These social, diurnal rodents live in large colonies called "towns" that can cover hundreds of acres. Prairie dogs are a keystone species in the shortgrass prairie ecosystem—their burrowing aerates the soil, their grazing creates habitat for other species, and they serve as a primary food source for predators such as ferruginous hawks, golden eagles, and black-footed ferrets.

Prairie dog burrows are 4–6 inches in diameter with a large, volcano-shaped mound of soil at the entrance. The mounds serve multiple purposes: they prevent water from entering the burrow during rainstorms, provide a lookout point for predators, and help ventilate the tunnel system. The burrows extend 3–6 feet deep and can be 15–30 feet long, with multiple chambers for nesting, food storage, and waste disposal. Prairie dog towns are highly organized, with distinct territories and social hierarchies.

In Colorado, prairie dogs are found primarily on the eastern plains, from the Front Range urban corridor to the Kansas border. They are also present in the San Luis Valley and parts of the Western Slope. Prairie dogs are protected under Colorado law—they are classified as nongame wildlife, but their management is subject to specific regulations. In urban areas, prairie dog control is often restricted, and relocation or non-lethal methods are preferred. The black-tailed prairie dog has been the subject of conservation concern due to habitat loss and plague (Yersinia pestis) outbreaks, which can decimate entire colonies.

Skunks and Raccoons — Colorado's Nocturnal Lawn Diggers

Striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) and raccoons (Procyon lotor) are found throughout Colorado and are responsible for much of the nocturnal lawn digging in the state. Both species are omnivorous and dig shallow holes while foraging for grubs, beetle larvae, and other soil insects. The damage is most common in spring and early summer when grub populations are near the soil surface.

Skunk damage in Colorado yards consists of small, cone-shaped holes 1–3 inches deep and 3–4 inches wide at the surface. The holes are often scattered across the lawn in a seemingly random pattern. Skunks also dig under porches, decks, and sheds to create den sites. The strong musky odor of skunk spray is a telltale sign of their presence. Skunks are common in both urban and rural areas of Colorado, from the Front Range to the Western Slope, at elevations up to 8,000 feet.

Raccoon damage is more extensive: large, irregular patches of torn-up sod, often in moist areas near water sources. Raccoons are highly intelligent and dexterous, capable of opening garbage cans, compost bins, and coolers. In Colorado, raccoons are most common along the Front Range urban corridor, from Fort Collins to Pueblo, and in the Arkansas River Valley. Raccoons can carry rabies and raccoon roundworm, posing a health risk to humans and pets. Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulates the trapping and removal of both skunks and raccoons.

Seasonal Digging Patterns in Colorado

Season	Primary Diggers	Activity Level	What to Expect
Spring (Mar–May)	Ground squirrels, pocket gophers, skunks	High	Ground squirrels emerge from hibernation; pocket gophers create fresh mounds in thawed soil; skunks dig for grubs
Summer (Jun–Aug)	Prairie dogs, ground squirrels, raccoons	Moderate–High	Peak prairie dog activity; ground squirrels active in morning; raccoons raid gardens and garbage
Fall (Sep–Nov)	Pocket gophers, skunks, raccoons	Moderate	Pocket gophers active as they prepare for winter; skunks and raccoons feed heavily before winter
Winter (Dec–Feb)	Pocket gophers	Low	Pocket gophers active below ground; ground squirrels and prairie dogs in hibernation or torpor; skunks and raccoons less active

How to Get Rid of Animals Digging in Your Colorado Yard

1. Reduce Grub Populations

Grubs are a primary food source for skunks and raccoons in Colorado. Apply beneficial nematodes (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) to your lawn in late summer when soil temperatures are between 60°F and 90°F. Colorado State University Extension recommends testing for grub populations before applying any treatment—dig up several 1-square-foot sections of sod in different areas of your lawn. If you find fewer than 10 grubs per square foot, treatment is generally not necessary. For severe infestations, insecticidal products containing imidacloprid or chlorantraniliprole can be applied in June or July when grubs are young and feeding near the surface.

2. Exclusion Fencing

Install 1/4-inch galvanized hardware cloth buried 12–18 inches deep around garden beds, sheds, and deck perimeters. For ground squirrels and prairie dogs, the fence should extend at least 2 feet above ground with an outward-facing 45-degree angle at the top to prevent climbing. For raccoons, consider adding an electric wire 4–6 inches above the ground. Bury the fencing with an outward L-shaped footer (6–12 inches horizontal) to prevent animals from digging under. In Colorado's rocky soils, consider using heavy-gauge wire mesh secured with landscape staples.

3. Live Trapping

Live trapping can be effective for ground squirrels, skunks, and raccoons in Colorado. Use cage traps sized appropriately: 10×12×24 inches for ground squirrels and skunks, and 10×12×36 inches for raccoons. Place traps near burrow entrances or along travel routes. Bait with peanut butter and oats for ground squirrels; canned fish, sardines, or cat food for skunks and raccoons. Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations require that trapped animals be released or euthanized humanely. Relocating wildlife to a new location without a permit is illegal in Colorado. Always check with CPW for current trapping regulations before beginning a trapping program.

4. Habitat Modification

Remove brush piles, rock piles, and tall grass that provide cover for digging animals. Keep grass mowed short, especially near garden edges and structures. Seal crawl spaces, vents, and foundation gaps with heavy-gauge hardware cloth. Store garbage in animal-proof containers with locking lids. For ground squirrels and prairie dogs, maintaining a mowed buffer zone of at least 20 feet around structures reduces cover and makes the area less attractive. In Colorado, reducing irrigation in areas adjacent to natural habitats can also discourage burrowing animals, as moist soil is easier to dig.

5. Professional Wildlife Removal

When DIY methods prove insufficient, licensed wildlife control operators in Colorado can provide professional removal services. These professionals are trained in humane trapping, exclusion techniques, and damage repair. They can also conduct thorough inspections to identify all burrow entrances and develop a comprehensive management plan. Professional removal costs in Colorado typically range from $200 to $750, depending on the species involved, the extent of the infestation, and the complexity of the exclusion work required. For prairie dog management on properties adjacent to protected colonies, professional services are particularly important due to the complex regulatory environment. Searching for colorado wildlife removal or wildlife removal near me will connect you with licensed professionals in your area.

Colorado-Specific Regulations

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) regulates the management of wildlife in the state. Black-tailed prairie dogs are classified as nongame wildlife but are subject to specific management regulations. In urban areas, prairie dog control is often restricted—many municipalities along the Front Range have ordinances limiting or prohibiting lethal control of prairie dogs. Relocation of prairie dogs requires a permit from CPW, and relocation sites must meet specific habitat requirements. Prairie dogs are also protected from indiscriminate killing, and the use of poison baits is restricted.

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Wyoming ground squirrels and Colorado pocket gophers are classified as nongame wildlife and may be taken on private property without a permit when causing damage. However, local ordinances may restrict control methods, particularly in urban and suburban areas. Homeowners should check with their local city or county government before implementing control measures.

Striped skunks and raccoons are classified as furbearers in Colorado and may be trapped during the established trapping season. A special permit is required for nuisance wildlife removal outside of the trapping season. It is illegal to relocate trapped wildlife to a new location in Colorado without a permit from CPW. Homeowners are encouraged to work with licensed wildlife control operators for nuisance wildlife issues. Colorado State University Extension provides research-based guidance on wildlife management and integrated pest management strategies.

It is important to note that the use of poison baits for rodent control in Colorado is subject to strict regulations. Many poisons pose secondary poisoning risks to non-target wildlife, including raptors, coyotes, and domestic pets. CPW and the Colorado Department of Agriculture recommend using non-lethal control methods whenever possible and consulting with professionals before using any chemical control products.

FAQ: Colorado Yard Digging

What is digging small holes in my Colorado lawn?

Small holes (2–3 inches wide) with small dirt mounds are likely from Wyoming ground squirrels. If the holes are accompanied by fan-shaped mounds of loose soil, the culprit is a Colorado pocket gopher. Small, shallow cone-shaped holes without mounds are typically caused by skunks or raccoons digging for grubs. Surface runways and tiny burrow holes (1–2 inches) suggest meadow vole activity.

How do I tell a ground squirrel from a prairie dog in Colorado?

Ground squirrels are smaller (10–12 inches including tail) and have less conspicuous mounds (2–3 inch entrances). Prairie dogs are larger (14–16 inches) and create large, volcano-shaped mounds (4–6 inch entrances) that are carefully maintained. Prairie dogs live in large, organized colonies (towns) with highly visible social behavior, including barking and "jump-yip" displays. Ground squirrels also live in colonies but are less organized and less vocal.

Are prairie dogs protected in Colorado?

Yes, black-tailed prairie dogs are protected under Colorado law. While they are classified as nongame wildlife, their management is subject to specific regulations. In many urban areas along the Front Range, lethal control of prairie dogs is restricted or prohibited. Relocation requires a permit from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Homeowners should consult with CPW and their local city or county government before taking any action against prairie dogs.

Can I fill in a ground squirrel burrow?

You can fill in ground squirrel burrows, but only after ensuring the animals have been removed. If the burrow is still occupied, the ground squirrel will dig it out again. The most effective approach is to trap and remove the ground squirrels first, then fill the burrows with gravel or soil packed tightly to prevent re-excavation. After filling, monitor the area for new burrow openings and address any that appear.

What natural repellents work for Colorado digging animals?

Castor oil-based repellents can be effective against pocket gophers. Predator urine (coyote or fox) may deter ground squirrels and raccoons, but it must be reapplied after rain or irrigation. Sonic and vibrating devices are generally ineffective and may provide only temporary relief. The most reliable long-term solutions are exclusion, habitat modification, and professional removal. Colorado State University Extension recommends focusing on these methods rather than relying on repellents alone.

What is digging holes in my yard at night in Colorado?

Nocturnal digging in Colorado yards is most commonly caused by skunks and raccoons foraging for grubs and insects. Skunks leave small, cone-shaped holes 1–3 inches deep, while raccoons create larger, irregular patches of torn-up sod. In areas bordering open space or natural habitats, coyotes may also dig in yards at night, particularly if they are searching for rodents or if food sources are available. If you suspect coyote activity, secure all food sources, keep pets indoors at night, and install motion-activated lighting to deter nocturnal visitors. Setting up a trail camera can help identify the specific animal responsible.

Sources: Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), Colorado State University (CSU) Extension, U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services, the Colorado Department of Agriculture, and the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History. This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult current state regulations before implementing wildlife control measures.