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

Identifying Yard-Digging Wildlife in North Dakota

When holes appear across a North Dakota lawn, the culprit is almost always one of a handful of native species. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF) and NDSU Extension both note that ground squirrels, pocket gophers, and voles account for the vast majority of homeowner complaints about yard damage. Skunks and badgers, while less common in town, frequently visit rural properties and acreages in search of food or shelter.

Each animal leaves a distinct signature. Learning to read these signs—hole diameter, mound shape, tunnel depth, and surrounding damage—will narrow the list considerably before you take any control measures.

Key Identification Tip

Start with the hole itself. A big, deep burrow with a large dirt pile signals an American badger. A small, clean hole with a fan-shaped mound and a soil plug indicates a northern pocket gopher. Clusters of small holes at colony edges, often with "barking" squirrels visible above ground, point to Richardson's ground squirrels. Flush 1–2 inch holes connected by worn runways through grass are meadow vole activity. Scattered, shallow cone-shaped pits across the lawn are classic striped skunk grub-hunting damage.

North Dakota Yard Digging Identification Table

Animal	Hole Size & Shape	Depth	Damage Pattern	North Dakota Range
Richardson's Ground Squirrel	2–3 inches round, often multiple entrances	6–15 feet	Colonies with bare dirt patches; mounds at burrow edges; clipped vegetation	Statewide, especially central and western prairies
Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel	2 inches round, inconspicuous	3–5 feet	Scattered single holes; small dirt fans; no large mounds	Statewide, more common in short grass
Franklin's Ground Squirrel	2–3 inches round, hidden by vegetation	4–8 feet	Holes at field edges, tall grass, brush lines; less visible damage	Eastern and central counties, tall grass prairie
Northern Pocket Gopher	2–3 inches, often plugged with soil	6–18 inches (tunnels)	Fan-shaped mounds, soil plugs, raised tunnels under lawn	Statewide, especially sandy or loamy soils
American Badger	8–12 inches wide, oval or irregular	3–6 feet or deeper	Large dirt mounds, multiple entrances, extensive excavation	Rural areas, pastures, prairie remnants statewide
Meadow Vole	1–2 inches, flush with ground	Shallow surface runways, burrows under 6 inches	Worn grass runways, small holes at runway intersections, girdled tree bases	Statewide, moist grassy areas
Striped Skunk	2–4 inch cone-shaped pits, not tunnels	1–3 inches deep	Scattered small pits across lawn, rolled turf, insect damage	Statewide, including suburban areas

Richardson's Ground Squirrel (Urocitellus richardsonii)

Richardson's ground squirrel is the most common prairie squirrel in North Dakota and the reason the state earned the nickname "Flickertail State." These rodents live in colonies and are active during daylight hours, often seen sitting upright near burrow entrances. Their constant tail-flicking motion gives them their distinctive name.

Burrow entrances are roughly 2–3 inches in diameter, and the tunnels can extend 6–15 feet horizontally. Colonies create patches of bare soil, and the squirrels clip surrounding vegetation for better visibility. In yards, they typically dig along fence lines, garden edges, and open sunny areas. They are most noticeable in spring and early summer before entering hibernation.

NDSU Extension notes that Richardson's ground squirrels can cause significant damage to lawns, gardens, and even building foundations when burrows are established near structures. Their activity peaks in May and June when juveniles emerge and new burrows are excavated.

Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus)

The thirteen-lined ground squirrel is smaller and more solitary than its Richardson's cousin. It gets its name from the alternating stripes and spots running down its back. These squirrels prefer short grass and are frequently found in well-maintained lawns, golf courses, and roadsides.

Their burrow holes are about 2 inches in diameter and often appear as single, inconspicuous openings with a small fan of loose dirt. Unlike pocket gophers, they do not create large mounds or soil plugs. Tunnels are relatively shallow, usually 3–5 feet deep, and each squirrel maintains several escape holes.

Damage is typically less severe than with Richardson's ground squirrels, but their digging can still undermine walkways and create tripping hazards. They are active from April through October and hibernate during the winter months.

Franklin's Ground Squirrel (Poliocitellus franklinii)

Franklin's ground squirrel is the least commonly seen of North Dakota's ground squirrels because it prefers taller grass, wetland edges, and brushy fencerows. It is more secretive and will often flee into dense cover rather than stand at its burrow entrance like other ground squirrels.

Burrow entrances are similar in size to Richardson's, around 2–3 inches, but they are typically hidden beneath vegetation. These squirrels are less colonial and more spread out across suitable habitat. Homeowners with prairie plantings or unmowed buffer strips are more likely to encounter them than those with manicured lawns.

Franklin's ground squirrels are also true hibernators and may be absent from an area for long stretches. They are considered a species of conservation concern in some neighboring states, so control efforts should be carefully considered before taking action.

Northern Pocket Gopher (Thomomys talpoides)

The northern pocket gopher is a solitary, fossorial rodent that spends nearly its entire life underground. It is well-adapted for digging with large front claws, small eyes and ears, and fur-lined cheek pouches used to transport food. Pocket gophers are active year-round and do not hibernate.

Their signature damage is a fan-shaped mound of loose soil with a plugged tunnel entrance. Unlike molehills, which are volcano-shaped, pocket gopher mounds are asymmetrical and flattened on one side. The actual burrow opening is sealed with a soil plug, making it difficult to see without excavation.

Tunnels run 6–18 inches below the surface, and gophers push excess soil to the surface in long ridges. They feed on roots, tubers, and bulbs, which means garden plants and ornamental shrubs are at risk. NDSU Extension recommends trapping as the most effective control method for pocket gophers in North Dakota.

American Badger (Taxidea taxus)

The American badger is North Dakota's largest yard-digging mammal and a powerful excavator. Badgers are members of the weasel family and use their strong forelimbs and long claws to dig burrows in search of ground squirrels, pocket gophers, and other prey. They are most common in rural areas, pastures, and native prairie.

Badger burrows are unmistakable: entrances are 8–12 inches wide, often oval or irregular in shape, with large mounds of excavated dirt. The tunnels can extend 3–6 feet deep and 10–30 feet long. Badgers may dig multiple entrances and often abandon and reuse burrows over time.

In a residential yard, badger activity usually indicates a healthy population of ground squirrels or pocket gophers nearby. While badgers themselves are rarely a nuisance, their digging can be destructive to lawns and pastures. NDGF classifies the American badger as a furbearer with a regulated trapping season.

Meadow Vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus)

Meadow voles are small rodents that create a network of surface runways through grass and ground cover. They are active year-round and do not hibernate, making them a persistent presence in North Dakota yards. Their runways are about 1–2 inches wide and appear as worn paths through the turf.

Burrow holes are small, roughly 1–2 inches in diameter, and are often found at the intersections of runways or along the base of trees and shrubs. Voles also dig shallow burrows just beneath the soil surface, but they rarely create the mounds associated with pocket gophers.

Beyond the holes, voles cause damage by girdling tree trunks and shrubs during winter when other food sources are scarce. NDSU Extension recommends reducing ground cover, mowing regularly, and protecting young trees with hardware cloth to prevent vole damage.

Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis)

Striped skunks are common throughout North Dakota and are frequently blamed for lawn damage that is actually caused by other animals. Skunks dig small, cone-shaped pits 2–4 inches wide and 1–3 inches deep as they search for white grubs, beetle larvae, and other soil insects. These pits are scattered across the lawn rather than concentrated in one area.

Skunks are nocturnal, so the digging typically appears overnight. In addition to grub pits, skunks may tear up sections of turf or roll back sod in their search for food. They are also known to dig under sheds, decks, and porches to create den sites.

While skunks are not typically aggressive, they are a primary carrier of rabies in North Dakota and can spray when threatened. NDGF classifies the striped skunk as a furbearer and rabies-vector species, which carries specific regulations regarding relocation and handling.

Seasonal Digging Patterns in North Dakota

Season	Most Active Diggers	Why
Spring (March–May)	Richardson's ground squirrels, pocket gophers, badgers	Ground squirrels emerge from hibernation and dig new burrows; gophers are active year-round but breeding increases activity; badgers hunt emerging prey
Summer (June–August)	Thirteen-lined ground squirrels, Franklin's ground squirrels, skunks	Juvenile squirrels disperse and dig new burrows; skunks dig for grubs in warm soil; voles remain active in grass
Fall (September–November)	Pocket gophers, voles, skunks	Ground squirrels enter hibernation; gophers stock food caches; voles build winter nests; skunks increase foraging before winter
Winter (December–February)	Pocket gophers, voles	Gophers tunnel under snow and frozen soil; voles use snow cover for protection and feed on bark; ground squirrels are hibernating and not active

Richardson's ground squirrels hibernate from late summer to early spring, so they are not active in winter. Their burrows may still be visible, but no new digging will occur until they emerge in March or April.

How to Get Rid of Animals Digging in Your North Dakota Yard

1. Confirm the Species First

Accurate identification prevents wasted effort. Use the table above to match hole size, mound shape, and damage patterns. Trail cameras can help confirm nocturnal visitors like skunks or badgers.

2. Remove Food Sources

For skunks, treat your lawn for white grubs with an approved insecticide or encourage natural predators. For ground squirrels, eliminate bird feeders and pet food left outdoors. For voles, reduce ground cover and keep grass mowed short.

3. Install Physical Barriers

Bury hardware cloth or galvanized wire mesh 18–24 inches deep along fence lines and garden borders to exclude pocket gophers and ground squirrels. Use 1/4-inch mesh for voles around tree bases and garden beds.

4. Use Live Traps for Small Mammals

Baited live traps can capture ground squirrels and skunks. Check traps daily and follow NDGF regulations for release or euthanasia. Relocation of skunks is restricted due to rabies concerns.

5. Apply Repellents and Frightening Devices

Castor oil-based repellents may deter pocket gophers and voles. Motion-activated sprinklers and noise devices can temporarily discourage ground squirrels, though results vary and animals often habituate.

6. Consider Lethal Trapping for Persistent Problems

Body-grip traps and kill traps are effective for pocket gophers and ground squirrels. NDSU Extension provides detailed guidance on trap placement. Always follow manufacturer instructions and state trapping laws.

7. Repair and Restore Damaged Areas

After removing the animals, fill burrows with soil, tamp firmly, and reseed bare patches. Address drainage issues that attract grubs and maintain healthy turf to reduce future damage.

North Dakota-Specific Regulations

• Richardson's ground squirrels, thirteen-lined ground squirrels, Franklin's ground squirrels, and northern pocket gophers are classified as unprotected nongame species in North Dakota. Landowners may control them without a permit on their own property.
• The American badger is a furbearer managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. It has a defined trapping season, and a valid trapping license is required. Landowners experiencing damage should contact NDGF for guidance.
• Meadow voles are unprotected and may be controlled by landowners at any time without a license.
• The striped skunk is classified as both a furbearer and a rabies-vector species. Relocation is restricted, and any handling requires adherence to NDGF regulations. A trapping license is required during the open season.
• Trapping licenses are required for all furbearer species. Nongame species like ground squirrels and pocket gophers do not require a license for landowner control.
• Control of Richardson's ground squirrels is often most effective in spring before breeding begins. Targeting females in March and April reduces the summer population significantly.
• Always check current NDGF regulations before implementing control measures, as rules can change with legislative sessions or emergency wildlife orders.

FAQ: North Dakota Yard Digging

What is the most common animal digging holes in North Dakota yards?

Richardson's ground squirrels are the most frequently reported yard diggers across the state. Their colonial burrowing habits and daytime activity make them highly visible. Pocket gophers are a close second, especially in yards with sandy or loose soil.

How can I tell if I have pocket gophers or ground squirrels?

Pocket gophers create fan-shaped mounds with plugged tunnel entrances and rarely come above ground. Ground squirrels leave open holes with dirt scattered around and are frequently seen sitting near their burrows during the day. Gopher tunnels also leave raised ridges in the lawn.

Are skunks digging in my yard at night?

Skunks are nocturnal and typically dig between dusk and dawn. Their damage appears as small cone-shaped pits scattered across the lawn, often in a random pattern. If you see these pits in the morning, skunks are the likely culprit.

Do Richardson's ground squirrels dig in winter?

No. Richardson's ground squirrels hibernate from late summer through early spring. Their burrows remain visible but no new digging occurs during winter months. Fresh winter digging is more likely from pocket gophers or voles.

What should I do about badger holes in my pasture?

Badger holes in rural pastures are often a sign of abundant ground squirrel prey. Contact your local NDGF office for guidance. In many cases, controlling the ground squirrel population will cause badgers to move elsewhere naturally.

Can I poison ground squirrels in North Dakota?

Some rodenticides are registered for ground squirrel control, but they must be used according to label directions and applicable state regulations. NDSU Extension recommends trapping as a safer and more targeted approach, especially in residential areas where pets and children may be present.

Professional Wildlife Removal in North Dakota

When digging damage becomes extensive or involves difficult species like badgers or skunks, professional wildlife removal services can provide an efficient solution. Licensed professionals have the equipment and knowledge to handle problem animals safely and in compliance with state regulations.

For homeowners considering professional help, a wildlife removal cost guide provides a useful reference point. Typical service fees range from $200 to $900 depending on species, severity, and site access. More complex jobs involving structural exclusion or multiple animals may cost more.

Rodent-specific exclusion work, such as sealing foundation gaps and installing underground barriers, is covered in a separate rodent exclusion cost guide. These preventative measures can reduce the likelihood of future infestations.

For residents in neighboring states, similar identification guides are available for Minnesota and Montana. Each state has unique wildlife regulations and species distributions that affect control strategies.

Sources: North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF), NDSU Extension, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional wildlife management advice.