Quick Answer
In Michigan, the most common yard diggers are woodchucks (groundhogs), eastern moles, striped skunks, raccoons, eastern chipmunks, and meadow voles. In the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula, the American badger is a rare but notable digger. Woodchucks create large 6-10 inch burrow entrances. Chipmunks dig small 2-inch holes near foundations and rock walls. Moles leave raised tunnels across lawns. Thirteen-lined ground squirrels are found in western Michigan prairie remnants.
Identifying Yard-Digging Wildlife in Michigan
Michigan's unique geography — split into two peninsulas with dramatically different climates and ecosystems — creates distinct patterns of wildlife activity across the state. The Lower Peninsula, with its agricultural heartland, suburban sprawl, and Great Lakes shoreline, hosts a different set of digging animals than the forested Upper Peninsula. Michigan's long, cold winters mean that most digging activity is concentrated in the warmer months, from April through October, with some species displaying unique adaptations to the state's harsh winters.
This guide draws on data from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), Michigan State University Extension wildlife publications, and USDA APHIS Wildlife Services records for Michigan.
Key Identification Tip: Before you identify the specific animal, determine whether your holes have mounds or not. Holes WITH mounds are typically from pocket gophers or ground squirrels. Holes WITHOUT mounds are from armadillos, skunks, raccoons, or moles. Raised surface tunnels with no visible entrance = moles. This single distinction eliminates half the possibilities immediately.
Michigan Yard-Digging Animal Identification Table
| Animal | Hole Size & Shape | Depth | Damage Pattern | Michigan Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodchuck (Groundhog) | 6-10 inch round entrance; large dirt mound | 3-6 feet deep; tunnels up to 40 ft | Large mound at entrance; damaged gardens; burrows under sheds and foundations | Statewide; most common in southern Lower Peninsula |
| Eastern Mole | Raised ridges; volcano-shaped mounds; no visible hole | 3-12 inches (surface tunnels) | Raised tunnels crisscrossing lawn; spongy turf; volcano-shaped dirt mounds | Statewide except urban centers |
| Striped Skunk | Conical holes, 2-3 inch diameter | 2-4 inches (foraging) | Small scattered holes in lawn; often in a line pattern; faint skunk odor | Statewide |
| Raccoon | Conical holes, 3-4 inch; torn-up sod patches | 2-4 inches (surface foraging) | Large patches of rolled-back sod; overturned trash; damaged bird feeders | Statewide; abundant in urban and suburban areas |
| Eastern Chipmunk | 2-inch round entrance; no large mound | 2-3 feet deep | Small holes near foundations, rock walls, and garden paths; often hidden under cover | Statewide; most common in wooded and suburban areas |
| Meadow Vole | Tiny 1-inch holes; surface runways | Surface to 2 inches deep | Visible runways through grass; girdled tree trunks at base; damaged plant roots | Statewide; especially in lawns and orchards |
| American Badger | 8-12 inch oval entrance; large dirt mound | 3-8 feet deep | Large oval burrow opening; massive excavated dirt; extensive tunnel systems | Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula; rare |
| Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel | 2-3 inch round entrance; small dirt apron | 2-4 feet deep | Small burrow holes in open areas; eaten garden plants; standing upright at burrow entrance | Western Michigan prairie remnants; Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph counties |
Woodchucks: Michigan's Burrowing Champion
Woodchucks (Marmota monax), also called groundhogs, are the most widespread and destructive burrowing animal in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. They are less common in the Upper Peninsula, where colder temperatures and shorter growing seasons limit their populations. Woodchucks are true hibernators in Michigan, entering their dens in October and not emerging until March or April, depending on the latitude.
A single woodchuck burrow in Michigan can excavate 300-400 pounds of soil. The main entrance is 6-10 inches wide with a prominent dirt mound, and the tunnel system can extend 30-40 feet with multiple escape holes. Woodchucks cause significant damage to vegetable gardens, soybean fields, and alfalfa fields across agricultural areas of the Lower Peninsula. They are also a major cause of structural damage, burrowing under sheds, decks, porches, and even building foundations.
Under MDNR regulations, woodchucks are classified as nongame mammals. Landowners may trap or shoot woodchucks on their property year-round without a permit. However, local ordinances in many Michigan cities and suburbs prohibit firearms discharge, so trapping is the most common removal method. The use of gas cartridges for fumigating woodchuck burrows is legal in Michigan.
Eastern Chipmunks: Small Diggers, Big Problems
Eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) are one of the most common and visible digging animals in Michigan yards. Unlike woodchucks, chipmunks do not create large mounds of excavated dirt. Their burrow entrances are only 2 inches in diameter and are often hidden under rocks, logs, retaining walls, or dense ground cover. The burrow itself can extend 2-3 feet deep and include multiple chambers for food storage, nesting, and waste.
Chipmunks are particularly problematic around foundations and retaining walls. Their burrowing can undermine the structural integrity of stone walls, patios, and walkways. They also dig up and eat planted bulbs, seeds, and seedlings in gardens. In Michigan, chipmunk activity peaks in spring (April-June) when they are establishing territories and breeding, and again in fall (September-October) when they are caching food for winter.
Unlike woodchucks, chipmunks do not truly hibernate in Michigan. They enter a state of torpor during cold periods but emerge on warm winter days to feed from their underground food caches. This means chipmunk damage can occur year-round, though it is less visible under snow cover.
American Badgers: Rare but Memorable Diggers
The American badger (Taxidea taxus) is a rare and fascinating digger in Michigan, primarily found in the Upper Peninsula and the northernmost counties of the Lower Peninsula. Badgers are Michigan's most powerful diggers, capable of excavating a burrow faster than a person can dig with a shovel. They are listed as a species of special concern in Michigan due to their limited range and low population density.
Badger burrows are unmistakable: large oval openings 8-12 inches wide with massive piles of excavated dirt. Badgers dig primarily for ground squirrels, pocket gophers, and other burrowing rodents, and they will dig enormous holes in pursuit of prey. Unlike woodchucks, badgers do not stay in one location for long — they are nomadic hunters that move through an area as food sources dictate.
Because badgers are a protected species in Michigan (they are the official state animal and are classified as a species of special concern), special regulations apply. Landowners cannot trap or kill badgers without a special permit from MDNR. If you suspect badger activity on your property, contact your local MDNR office for guidance. Most badger sightings in Michigan are actually misidentified woodchucks — verify carefully before reporting.
Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrels: Western Michigan's Prairie Digger
The thirteen-lined ground squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) is a small, striped ground squirrel found in the prairie remnants of western Michigan, particularly in Berrien, Cass, and St. Joseph counties. These animals are easily identified by the 13 alternating light and dark stripes running down their backs. They are diurnal and often seen standing upright at their burrow entrances, scanning for predators.
Their burrows are 2-3 inches in diameter with a small dirt apron at the entrance. They create extensive burrow systems in open, grassy areas and are particularly common in hayfields, pastures, and along roadsides. In suburban yards, they dig holes in lawns and flower beds. They are not as destructive as woodchucks but can be a nuisance in large numbers. Thirteen-lined ground squirrels are classified as nongame mammals in Michigan and can be controlled without a permit.
Seasonal Digging Patterns in Michigan
| Season | Most Active Diggers | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr-May) | Woodchucks, chipmunks, moles, skunks | Woodchucks emerge from hibernation; chipmunks breed; moles active in moist soil; skunks dig for grubs after thaw |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Raccoons, woodchucks, chipmunks | Raccoons with young dig heavily; woodchucks expand burrows; chipmunks cache food |
| Fall (Sep-Oct) | Moles, chipmunks, meadow voles | Mole surface tunnels reappear with fall rains; chipmunks cache seeds; voles build runways |
| Winter (Nov-Mar) | Meadow voles (under snow), moles (deep) | Voles active under snow cover (subnivean runways); moles tunnel below frost line |
How to Get Rid of Animals Digging in Your Michigan Yard
1. Reduce Grub Populations
Grubs are a primary food source for skunks and raccoons in Michigan. Treat your lawn with beneficial nematodes in late summer (August to early September) when soil temperatures are still warm. Milky spore is less effective in Michigan's cooler soils. Chemical grub controls can be applied in June-July as preventive treatments. Michigan State University Extension recommends testing your soil before applying any lawn treatments to ensure they are necessary.
2. Exclusion Fencing
For woodchucks, install 3-foot mesh fencing buried at least 12 inches deep with an L-shaped footer. For chipmunks, use 1/4-inch hardware cloth buried 6-8 inches deep around foundations and garden beds. For raccoons, secure trash cans with locking lids and install baffles on bird feeders. In Michigan's wooded areas, fencing is essential for protecting vegetable gardens from both woodchucks and deer.
3. Live Trapping
Live traps are effective for woodchucks, raccoons, and skunks in Michigan. Use a 10x12x32-inch or larger trap. Bait woodchucks with fresh vegetables (cantaloupe, sweet corn). Bait raccoons with canned fish, marshmallows, or pet food. Michigan law requires that traps be checked every 24 hours. Relocating trapped animals in Michigan is strongly discouraged by MDNR and may be illegal in some jurisdictions. Contact your local MDNR office for guidance on nuisance animal disposal.
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4. Habitat Modification
Remove brush piles, rock piles, and woodpiles that provide cover for chipmunks, skunks, and woodchucks. Keep grass mowed short. Trim tree branches that overhang roofs to prevent raccoon access. Seal foundation gaps and install chimney caps. In Michigan, pay special attention to sealing gaps around basement windows and foundation vents, as these are common entry points for animals seeking winter shelter.
5. Professional Wildlife Removal
For persistent infestations or difficult-to-handle species, professional wildlife removal services are recommended. Licensed wildlife control operators in Michigan are permitted by MDNR to trap and remove nuisance animals. Professional Michigan wildlife removal services typically cost between $150 and $600 depending on the animal species and the complexity of the job. Woodchuck and raccoon removal averages $250-$450. Always verify that the company holds a valid MDNR nuisance animal control permit.
Michigan-Specific Regulations
- Woodchucks (groundhogs): Classified as nongame mammals. May be taken by landowners on their property year-round. A valid hunting license is required if using a firearm. No permit needed for trapping on your own property.
- American badgers: Protected species. Listed as a species of special concern in Michigan. Cannot be trapped, killed, or harassed without a special permit from MDNR. The badger is the official state animal of Michigan.
- Striped skunks and raccoons: Classified as furbearers. Trapping during the regulated season (October 15 through January 31 in most of Michigan) requires a valid fur harvester license. Outside of season, landowners may take nuisance animals on their property, but relocation requires a permit.
- Eastern moles: No protection. Can be trapped or killed on private property without a permit year-round.
- Eastern chipmunks and thirteen-lined ground squirrels: Classified as nongame mammals. May be controlled on private property without a permit. Check local ordinances before using traps or rodenticides.
- Meadow voles: No protection. Can be controlled with traps or rodenticides on private property. Follow all label directions.
FAQ: Michigan Yard Digging
What is digging small holes in my Michigan lawn at night?
Small conical holes appearing overnight in your Michigan lawn are most likely from striped skunks or raccoons digging for white grubs. Skunk holes are 2-3 inches in diameter and scattered across the lawn. Raccoon damage involves larger patches of rolled-back sod. Both are nocturnal and active in Michigan from spring through fall. Check for a faint skunk odor or scattered trash to distinguish between the two.
Do badgers live in Michigan?
Yes, American badgers are found in Michigan, primarily in the Upper Peninsula and the northernmost counties of the Lower Peninsula (Emmet, Cheboygan, Presque Isle counties). However, they are rare and listed as a species of special concern. Most badger sightings in Michigan turn out to be misidentified woodchucks. True badger burrows are oval (not round), 8-12 inches wide, with massive dirt piles. If you suspect a badger, contact your local MDNR office.
How do I get rid of chipmunks in my Michigan yard?
Chipmunks can be live-trapped using small traps (5x5x16-inch) baited with sunflower seeds, peanut butter, or nuts. Place traps along known chipmunk travel routes near walls or rock piles. Exclusion is the most effective long-term solution — seal all gaps around foundations and use 1/4-inch hardware cloth around garden beds. Reducing ground cover and removing rock piles will make your yard less attractive to chipmunks. Chipmunks are nongame mammals in Michigan and can be controlled without a permit.
What is digging holes in my yard at night in Michigan?
Nocturnal digging in Michigan is most commonly caused by raccoons, striped skunks, and Virginia opossums. Raccoons are the most destructive, pulling back sod in large patches. Skunks create smaller conical holes. Opossums cause minimal damage. Diurnal (daytime) digging is typically from woodchucks, chipmunks, or thirteen-lined ground squirrels. If you see an animal digging during the day in Michigan, it is almost certainly a woodchuck or chipmunk, not a raccoon or skunk.
Are thirteen-lined ground squirrels common in Michigan?
Thirteen-lined ground squirrels are not common across all of Michigan. They are found primarily in the prairie remnants of western Michigan, concentrated in Berrien, Cass, and St. Joseph counties near the Indiana border. Their range is limited by available grassland habitat. They are more common in neighboring states (Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin) than in Michigan itself. If you see a small striped ground squirrel in western Michigan, it is likely a thirteen-lined ground squirrel; elsewhere in the state, it is more likely an eastern chipmunk.
Sources: Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), Michigan State University Extension, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional wildlife management advice. Always verify current regulations with MDNR before taking wildlife control action.