Quick Answer
The most common animals digging holes in yards are armadillos, skunks, raccoons, and moles. Armadillos leave conical 1-3 inch deep holes in a wandering line. Skunks make similar but fewer holes near structures. Raccoons peel back sod. Moles create raised tunnels with volcano-shaped mounds.
Quick Answer
In Oklahoma, the most common yard diggers are armadillos, striped skunks, raccoons, pocket gophers, moles, and prairie dogs (western OK). Armadillos leave shallow conical holes in a wandering line. Pocket gophers create volcano-shaped mounds of fine soil. Prairie dogs build large burrow mounds with cleared aprons. Skunks dig small conical holes near structures.
Identifying Yard-Digging Wildlife in Oklahoma
Oklahoma's position at the crossroads of the Great Plains, Ozark Plateau, and Gulf Coastal Plain creates diverse habitat that supports a wide range of yard-digging wildlife. Whether you live in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, Broken Arrow, or Lawton, you have likely encountered holes in your lawn, raised tunnels in your grass, or burrow entrances near your home's foundation.
Correctly identifying the animal responsible is critical because each species requires a different management approach. Some, like the eastern mole, are merely nuisances. Others, like the nine-banded armadillo, can cause significant structural damage overnight. And some, like the black-tailed prairie dog found in western Oklahoma, may be subject to localized protections.
This guide synthesizes data from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC), Oklahoma State University Extension, and the USDA APHIS Wildlife Services program.
Oklahoma Yard-Digging Animal Identification Table
| Animal | Hole Size & Shape | Depth | Damage Pattern | Oklahoma Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nine-banded Armadillo | Conical, 3-5 inch diameter | 1-3 inches (shallow) | Dozens of holes in a wandering line | Statewide; most common in southern and central OK |
| Striped Skunk | Conical, 3-4 inch diameter | 2-4 inches | Fewer holes, scattered; often near structures | Statewide |
| Raccoon | Irregular torn patches | Shallow (sod rolled back) | Sod peeled back in sections | Statewide |
| Plains Pocket Gopher | Volcano-shaped mounds, no visible hole | Tunnels 4-12 inches deep | Linear mounds of fine soil; fan-shaped | Statewide; most common in western OK |
| Eastern Mole | Raised surface tunnels; no mounds | Just below surface | Ridged trails through grass | Eastern OK; most common in Tulsa and Ozark regions |
| Prairie Vole | 1-1.5 inch holes, no mound | Surface to 3 inches | Surface runways under mulch; girdled plant roots | Statewide |
| Black-tailed Prairie Dog | Large burrow, 4-6 inch entrance | Several feet deep | Large bare mound of packed dirt at entrance; colonial | Western OK (Panhandle and western counties) |
| Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel | 2-inch clean hole | Several feet deep | Burrow entrance with no mound; scattered droppings nearby | Statewide; most common in open areas of western OK |
| Groundhog (Woodchuck) | 6-8 inch burrow entrance | Several feet deep | Large mound of dirt at entrance; nearby vegetation eaten | Eastern OK; rare in western counties |
Armadillos in Oklahoma: A Growing Problem
The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) expanded its range into Oklahoma from Texas in the mid-20th century and is now found statewide, with the highest densities in southern and central counties. According to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, armadillos are now confirmed in all 77 Oklahoma counties, with populations continuing to grow.
Armadillos dig for grubs, earthworms, and other soil invertebrates, creating dozens of shallow conical holes in a single night of foraging. They prefer moist, shaded areas with loose soil and are most active from dusk to dawn. In Oklahoma, armadillo damage peaks from April through October when soil temperatures support insect activity. The Oklahoma Mesonet's soil temperature data shows armadillo foraging activity closely tracks soil temperatures above 60°F at the 4-inch depth.
Identifying Armadillo Damage vs Other Diggers
| Feature | Armadillo | Skunk | Pocket Gopher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hole shape | Conical, 3-5 inches | Conical, 3-4 inches | No visible hole (mounds only) |
| Hole depth | 1-3 inches | 2-4 inches | N/A (subsurface tunnels) |
| Number of holes | Dozens in one night | Fewer (5-10) | No holes (mounds) |
| Mound present? | No | No | Yes — volcano-shaped |
| Footprints | 4-toe front, 5-toe back | 5 toes, claw marks | Rarely visible |
| Odor | None | Strong musk near den | None |
Plains Pocket Gophers: Oklahoma's Mound Builders
The plains pocket gopher (Geomys bursarius) is one of the most destructive yard diggers in Oklahoma, particularly in the western two-thirds of the state. Unlike armadillos and skunks, pocket gophers create conspicuous volcano-shaped mounds of fine soil as they excavate their tunnel systems. A single gopher can produce 1-3 mounds per day and have a tunnel system spanning 200-2,000 square feet.
Pocket gopher mounds are distinct from mole tunnels because they push soil OUT of the tunnel system rather than just displacing it. The mounds are typically 6-12 inches across, fan-shaped or crescent-shaped, and made of fine granular soil. The entrance hole is plugged and not visible, which distinguishes gopher mounds from ground squirrel or prairie dog burrows (which have open entrances).
Pocket Gopher vs Mole Damage
| Feature | Plains Pocket Gopher | Eastern Mole |
|---|---|---|
| Diet | Plant roots, tubers, bulbs | Earthworms, soil insects |
| Surface evidence | Volcano-shaped mounds of soil | Raised surface tunnels/ridges |
| Plant damage | Girdled roots, dying shrubs, eaten bulbs | Brown grass streaks from lifted roots |
| Mound shape | Crescent or fan-shaped, plugged hole | No mounds (just ridges) |
| Active time | Day and night, year-round | Day and night, year-round |
Black-tailed Prairie Dogs in Western Oklahoma
Western Oklahoma — particularly the Panhandle and counties along the Texas border — is home to scattered black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) colonies. Prairie dogs are colonial burrowers that create extensive town complexes with hundreds of burrows per acre. Each burrow has a large bare mound of packed dirt at the entrance that serves as a lookout point.
Prairie dog burrows are 4-6 inches in diameter and extend 3-10 feet deep, with multiple chambers. The bare dirt apron around the entrance can be 3-5 feet across. Unlike pocket gopher mounds (which are made of loose soil), prairie dog mounds are made of packed, hardened soil and have an open, visible entrance.
According to ODWC, prairie dog colonies in Oklahoma have declined significantly from historic levels due to habitat conversion and eradication programs. While prairie dogs are not state-listed as endangered in Oklahoma, some colonies occur on public lands where they are managed for their ecological value (they are a keystone species, supporting black-footed ferrets, burrowing owls, and other wildlife).
Skunks: Oklahoma's Nighttime Diggers
Striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) are common throughout Oklahoma and are a frequent cause of lawn digging, particularly in suburban areas near Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Skunks dig for grubs, insects, and earthworms, creating small conical holes similar to armadillo holes but typically shallower and more scattered. The key differentiator is that skunk damage is usually concentrated near structures — under decks, near foundations, or along fence lines where they feel protected.
Another telltale sign of skunks is the presence of small, 1-inch diameter divots in the lawn where they have probed for insects with their noses. These "skunk divots" are often found in rows and look like someone pressed a finger into the soil repeatedly. Oklahoma State University Extension reports that skunk damage in Oklahoma typically peaks in spring (March-May) when grubs are near the surface and skunks are recovering from winter denning.
Seasonal Digging Patterns in Oklahoma
| Season | Most Active Diggers | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | Skunks, armadillos, ground squirrels | Grub emergence; breeding season; soil thaws statewide |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Armadillos, pocket gophers, moles | Peak insect activity; armadillo young begin foraging; warm soil |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Skunks, raccoons, prairie dogs | Acorn/nut season; animals building fat reserves; prairie dogs gather grass |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Pocket gophers, moles (reduced activity) | Surface soil may freeze in Panhandle; gophers stay active below frost line |
How to Stop Animals from Digging in Your Oklahoma Yard
1. Reduce Grub Populations
Most digging animals (armadillos, skunks, raccoons, moles) are attracted to white grub populations in lawns. Apply beneficial nematodes (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) or milky spore (Paenibacillus popilliae) in late spring or early summer when soil temperatures are above 60°F. According to Oklahoma State University Extension, beneficial nematodes can reduce grub populations by 50-80% within 2-4 weeks, making lawns significantly less attractive to diggers.
2. Exclusion Fencing
- Armadillos: 24-inch fence buried 12-18 inches with L-shaped footer; armadillos are poor climbers
- Skunks: 3-foot fence buried 6 inches; seal openings under decks and sheds with hardware cloth
- Pocket gophers: Install 1/4-inch hardware cloth baskets around vulnerable plants and tree roots
- Groundhogs: 3-foot fence buried 12 inches with a top rail; they can climb
3. Live Trapping
In Oklahoma, armadillos and skunks can be live-trapped on private property. However, Oklahoma wildlife regulations prohibit relocating trapped wildlife off your property without a permit — most nuisance wildlife must be euthanized on-site. Always check current ODWC regulations before trapping, and contact a licensed nuisance wildlife control operator if you are uncertain about legal requirements.
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4. Habitat Modification
- Remove brush piles, fallen logs, and debris that provide cover
- Keep grass mowed short to reduce insect habitat
- Reduce irrigation to lower grub and earthworm populations
- Use hardware cloth (1/4 inch mesh) to protect bulb plantings from voles and gophers
- For prairie dog colonies in western OK, contact ODWC before any control efforts
Oklahoma-Specific Regulations
- Armadillos: Classified as non-game wildlife in Oklahoma. Can be trapped and removed on private property without a permit.
- Skunks/Raccoons: Can be trapped on private property by landowners. Nuisance wildlife control operators must be licensed by ODWC. Relocation of rabies-vector species is restricted.
- Pocket Gophers/Moles: No protection. Can be trapped, gassed, or controlled on private property.
- Prairie Dogs: Not state-protected as endangered, but some colonies occur on public lands where they are managed. Always verify with ODWC before controlling prairie dogs, especially in western counties.
- Groundhogs: Classified as non-game wildlife in Oklahoma. Can be removed without a permit on private property.
FAQ: Oklahoma Yard Digging
Are armadillos a problem in Oklahoma?
Yes. Armadillos are now found statewide in Oklahoma and are one of the most common causes of lawn damage, particularly in southern and central counties. According to ODWC, armadillos expanded into Oklahoma from Texas in the 1950s-1970s and have continued to increase in density. They dig shallow conical holes (3-5 inches wide, 1-3 inches deep) in a wandering line across lawns.
What is making volcano-shaped mounds in my Oklahoma lawn?
Volcano-shaped mounds of fine granular soil are from plains pocket gophers. These mounds are 6-12 inches across, fan or crescent-shaped, and have a plugged (invisible) entrance hole. Pocket gophers are common in the western two-thirds of Oklahoma. If the mounds are large, packed, and have an open hole in the center, they may be prairie dog burrows (western OK only).
How do I know if I have pocket gophers or moles?
If you see raised ridges or tunnels in your grass with NO mounds, you have moles. If you see volcano-shaped mounds of soil with NO raised tunnels connecting them, you have pocket gophers. Moles eat insects and earthworms; pocket gophers eat plant roots and can kill shrubs and trees by girdling the roots.
What should I do about prairie dogs in my western Oklahoma yard?
Prairie dogs are colonial and live in large "towns." If a colony is encroaching on your property, contact the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation before attempting control. While prairie dogs are not endangered in Oklahoma, some colonies are ecologically significant and may be subject to local management plans. Mechanical barriers (visible fencing) and habitat modification (mowing tall grass) are often the most effective long-term solutions.
Do Oklahoma skunks carry rabies?
Yes. Skunks are the primary rabies reservoir in Oklahoma, accounting for the majority of confirmed animal rabies cases in the state. According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, skunk rabies is endemic statewide. Never approach a skunk, especially one active during daylight hours, and ensure your pets are current on rabies vaccinations.
When is digging worst in Oklahoma?
Late spring (April-May) and summer (June-August) are typically the worst seasons for yard digging in Oklahoma. Soil temperatures are warm enough to support insect activity, moisture levels are adequate, and young animals (especially armadillos) are beginning to forage independently. Drought conditions in late summer can actually reduce digging as grubs move deeper into the soil.
Sources: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Oklahoma State University Extension, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Mesonet. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional wildlife management advice.