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

Identifying Yard-Digging Wildlife in New York

New York State's diverse landscape — from the Atlantic coastal plain and Hudson Valley to the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains — supports a rich variety of burrowing wildlife. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Cornell Cooperative Extension regularly field complaints about yard damage caused by digging animals. Whether you live in suburban Westchester, rural Upstate New York, or the Buffalo-Niagara region, identifying the culprit is the essential first step to resolving the problem.

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.

New York Yard-Digging Animal Identification Table

Animal	Hole Size & Shape	Depth	Damage Pattern	New York Range
Woodchuck (Groundhog)	8–12 inches wide, oval	2–5 feet deep	Large dirt mounds at entrance, damaged foundations, collapsed tunnels	Statewide except urban NYC
Eastern Chipmunk	2 inches wide, round, clean	1–2 feet deep	Small holes near foundations, garden beds, under bird feeders	Statewide
Eastern Mole	Volcano-shaped mounds, 6–12 inches wide	Surface tunnels, 2–4 inches below grade	Raised ridged tunnels, dead grass, spongy lawn	Statewide
Striped Skunk	3–4 inch conical holes	Shallow, 1–2 inches	Small scattered holes in lawn, overturned sod	Statewide
Raccoon	3–5 inch wide, shallow depressions	1–3 inches	Rolled-back sod, tipped garbage cans, lawn patches peeled up	Statewide, especially urban/suburban
Virginia Opossum	2–4 inch shallow scrapes	1–2 inches	Scattered digging, overturned compost, minor lawn disturbance	Statewide, expanding northward
Meadow Vole	1–2 inch wide, no visible mound	Surface runways in grass	Surface runways (1–2 inch wide paths) in lawn, girdled tree trunks	Statewide

Woodchuck (Groundhog)

The woodchuck (Marmota monax), also known as the groundhog, is New York's most common large burrowing mammal. These rodents are found across the entire state, from the Hudson Valley to the Adirondack foothills, and are especially abundant in agricultural areas and suburban landscapes with open fields and hedgerows. Woodchucks are easily recognized by their stocky body, short legs, and grizzled brownish-gray fur.

Woodchucks dig extensive burrow systems that can extend 2 to 5 feet deep and 20 to 30 feet long, with multiple entrances. The main entrance is typically marked by a large mound of excavated soil, often 8–12 inches in diameter. These burrows are usually located near fence lines, stone walls, building foundations, or under sheds and decks. The structural damage caused by woodchuck burrowing can be significant — undermined foundations, collapsed patios, and damaged drainage systems are common complaints.

One of the most distinctive characteristics of woodchucks is their seasonal behavior. They are true hibernators, entering a deep torpor from October through February across most of New York. They emerge in late February or March (famously associated with Groundhog Day) and are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Woodchucks are primarily herbivores, feeding on grasses, clover, garden vegetables, and tender shoots — making them a significant pest for New York gardeners.

Eastern Chipmunk

The eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) is one of the most familiar and widespread small mammals in New York State. Easily identified by the five dark stripes running down its back, this small rodent is found in virtually every county. Chipmunks are diurnal and most active during the warmest parts of the day, making them frequently visible to homeowners.

Chipmunk burrows are typically 2 inches in diameter with clean, round openings — often without significant soil mounds since they carry dirt away in their cheek pouches. These burrows are usually located near building foundations, rock walls, log piles, dense shrubbery, or under decks. The tunnel systems can extend 1–2 feet deep and 10–20 feet long, with multiple chambers for nesting and food storage.

While individual chipmunks cause relatively minor damage compared to woodchucks, their numbers can be substantial. A single property may host a dozen or more chipmunks, and their burrowing can undermine retaining walls, walkways, and foundation drainage. They are also notorious for digging up flower bulbs and raiding bird feeders. Chipmunks do not hibernate but enter a state of torpor during cold snaps, remaining active in their burrows on stored food throughout the winter.

Eastern Mole

The eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus) is the most common mole species in New York, found statewide in areas with moist, loamy soil. Despite its name, the eastern mole is not aquatic — it is a highly specialized insectivore adapted for a subterranean lifestyle. Its large, spade-like front feet, pointed snout, and tiny eyes make it perfectly suited for tunneling through soil.

Eastern moles create two distinct types of surface evidence: volcano-shaped mounds (molehills) and raised surface ridge tunnels. The ridge tunnels are particularly damaging to lawns — they lift the grass, dry out the root zone, and create an uneven surface that is difficult to mow. These tunnels are typically 2–4 inches below the surface and can extend for dozens of feet across a lawn.

Moles feed exclusively on earthworms, grubs, and other soil invertebrates. They do not eat plant roots or bulbs, contrary to common belief. However, their tunneling activity often provides access for voles (which do eat roots) and dries out the soil around grass roots, leading to dead patches. Mole activity peaks in New York during spring and fall when soil moisture is high and invertebrate prey is abundant. During summer dry spells, moles retreat to deeper tunnels and surface activity decreases.

Seasonal Digging Patterns in New York

Season	Most Active Diggers	Why
Spring	Woodchucks, moles, chipmunks, skunks	Woodchucks emerge from hibernation; moles active in moist soil; skunks dig for grubs after thaw
Summer	Raccoons, skunks, chipmunks	Raccoons and skunks target grubs in lawns; chipmunks active during daylight hours
Fall	Chipmunks, moles, woodchucks	Chipmunks stockpile food for winter; woodchucks fatten up before hibernation; moles build food caches
Winter	Meadow voles, eastern moles (below frost line)	Voles tunnel under snow; moles remain active in deeper soil layers

How to Get Rid of Animals Digging in Your New York Yard

1. Reduce Grub Populations

Skunks and raccoons dig for grubs in New York lawns, especially during late summer and fall. Apply beneficial nematodes (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) to your lawn in late summer to control grub populations naturally. Cornell Cooperative Extension recommends testing for grub populations before applying any chemical treatment — treatment is only warranted if you find 10 or more grubs per square foot.

2. Exclusion Fencing

For woodchucks, bury 1/4-inch galvanized hardware cloth at least 12–18 inches deep with an outward-facing L-shaped flange at the bottom. The fence should extend at least 3 feet above ground. For chipmunks, seal gaps around foundations, stone walls, and under sheds with heavy-gauge wire mesh or expanding foam. Pay special attention to areas where utility lines enter the house.

3. Live Trapping

Live traps can be effective for woodchucks, raccoons, and skunks. Use fresh vegetables (lettuce, sweet corn) for woodchucks, and canned fish or sweet baits for raccoons and skunks. Check traps at least twice daily. New York DEC regulations prohibit the relocation of raccoons and skunks without a permit, so be prepared to humanely euthanize trapped animals or contact a licensed wildlife control operator.

4. Habitat Modification

Remove brush piles, rock piles, and tall grass that provide cover for burrowing animals. Keep your lawn mowed and eliminate food sources such as fallen fruit, unsecured garbage, pet food, and birdseed spills. For voles, keep grass short and remove snow from around tree trunks in winter to reduce vole runway cover.

5. Professional Wildlife Removal

If DIY methods are not resolving the problem, professional wildlife removal services in New York are licensed by the DEC and have the training and equipment to handle persistent infestations safely. Search for New York wildlife removal to find qualified operators in your area. The average cost for professional wildlife removal in New York ranges from $200 to $800, depending on the species, the extent of the infestation, and the complexity of the job.

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New York-Specific Regulations

• Woodchuck (Groundhog): Can be taken on private property without a permit when causing damage. No closed season. Check local ordinances before using firearms.
• Eastern chipmunk: Not protected. Can be trapped or shot on private property. No permit required.
• Eastern mole: Not protected. Can be trapped on private property. No permit needed.
• Striped skunk: Classified as a furbearer. May be taken on private property without a permit. Relocation is prohibited without a DEC permit.
• Raccoon: Classified as a furbearer. May be taken on private property when causing damage. Relocation is not permitted under DEC regulations.
• Virginia opossum: No permit required for taking on private property. Not classified as a furbearer in New York.
• Meadow vole: Not protected. Can be controlled by trapping or baiting. No permit required.

FAQ: New York Yard Digging

What causes small 2-inch holes in my lawn in New York?

Small 2-inch diameter holes in New York lawns are most commonly made by eastern chipmunks. These holes are typically clean and round, often found near foundations, rock walls, or under bird feeders. If the holes are accompanied by surface runways (paths through the grass), meadow voles are the likely culprit.

Are woodchucks and groundhogs the same animal?

Yes, woodchuck and groundhog are two names for the same species (Marmota monax). In New York, "woodchuck" is more commonly used Upstate, while "groundhog" is used in downstate regions. They are also sometimes called whistle pigs due to the high-pitched whistle they use as an alarm call.

Do moles hibernate in New York?

Eastern moles do not hibernate. They remain active year-round in New York, though their surface tunneling activity decreases during winter when the ground freezes. During cold weather, moles retreat to deeper tunnels below the frost line where they continue to feed on earthworms and soil insects.

How do I get rid of chipmunks in my New York garden?

Exclusion is the most effective long-term strategy — seal foundation gaps with hardware cloth, remove rock piles, and install L-shaped barriers around garden beds. Live trapping with peanut butter or sunflower seeds works for small populations. Repellents and ultrasonic devices are generally ineffective for chipmunks.

What attracts raccoons to New York suburban yards?

Raccoons are attracted to easily accessible food sources: unsecured garbage cans, pet food left outdoors, bird feeders, compost piles, and fruit trees. New York's suburban landscapes provide abundant denning sites as well, including attics, chimneys, and spaces under decks. Securing trash and removing food sources is the most effective prevention.

What is digging holes in my yard at night in New York?

Nocturnal animals digging in New York yards at night are most commonly skunks and raccoons searching for grubs and insects. Skunks leave small, conical 3–4 inch holes, while raccoons create larger patches of rolled-back sod. Virginia opossums may also dig at night but cause less damage. In contrast, diurnal (daytime) diggers include woodchucks, chipmunks, and eastern moles — if you see the animal actively digging during daylight hours, it is almost certainly one of these species. Holes that appear overnight are a strong indicator of nocturnal foragers.

Sources: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Cornell Cooperative Extension, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services. This guide is for informational purposes only.