Quick Answer
The most common animals digging holes in Washington yards are Townsend's moles, coast moles, raccoons, striped skunks, mountain beavers (Aplodontia rufa), and pocket gophers. Townsend's mole—the largest mole in North America—creates large volcano-shaped mounds and raised surface tunnels that can damage lawns across western Washington. Raccoons and skunks dig shallow holes in lawns searching for grubs. The mountain beaver, a primitive rodent unique to the Pacific Northwest, creates large burrow systems in forested and suburban areas. In eastern Washington, pocket gophers are the primary burrowing concern.
Identifying Yard-Digging Wildlife in Washington
Washington State's remarkable ecological diversity—from the wet coastal rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula to the dry sagebrush steppe of eastern Washington—supports a wide range of burrowing and digging wildlife. Homeowners in the Evergreen State frequently encounter mysterious holes, tunnels, and mounds in their lawns and gardens. Correctly identifying the responsible animal is essential for effective management. The key factors to examine are hole size and shape, presence or absence of a dirt mound, tunnel patterns, and whether the damage occurs in the moist western regions or the drier eastern parts of the state.
Key Identification Tip: The presence of a raised soil mound is the most important clue. Moles and pocket gophers push soil to the surface, creating volcano-shaped or horseshoe-shaped mounds. Moles also create raised surface tunnels (ridges) across the lawn. Animals that do not leave mounds—such as raccoons and skunks—typically dig shallow, cone-shaped holes while foraging for grubs. Mountain beavers create large burrow entrances (8–12 inches) with moderate soil displacement, often located near forest edges or dense vegetation.
Washington Yard-Digging Animal Identification Table
| Animal | Hole Size & Shape | Depth | Damage Pattern | Washington Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Townsend's Mole | 3–4 inches wide, volcano-shaped mound; raised surface tunnels | 6–18 inches (tunnels just below surface) | Large volcano mounds and extensive raised ridges across lawns; largest mole damage in North America | Western WA, lowlands west of Cascades |
| Coast Mole | 2–3 inches wide, volcano-shaped mound; raised surface tunnels | 4–12 inches | Smaller mounds than Townsend's; raised ridges in lawns; often near wet areas | Western WA, coastal areas |
| Mountain Beaver | 8–12 inches wide, oval or irregular with moderate mound | 2–4 feet deep | Large burrow entrances near forest edges, ferns, and dense vegetation; clipped vegetation around entrance | Western WA, Olympic Peninsula, Cascades foothills |
| Raccoon | 3–5 inches wide, irregular, shallow | 1–3 inches | Patches of torn-up sod; gardens raided; garbage cans tipped; tracks with distinct hand-like prints | Statewide, especially suburban areas |
| Striped Skunk | 3–4 inches wide, cone-shaped, shallow | 1–3 inches | Small cone-shaped holes in lawn; sod peeled back; musky odor present | Statewide, less common in dense forests |
| Pocket Gopher | 2–4 inches wide, horseshoe-shaped mound (plugged side hole) | 6–12 inches (tunnels) | Fan-shaped or horseshoe mounds with a visible plug; no surface tunnels; pulled plants down into soil | Eastern WA, agricultural areas |
| Meadow Vole | 1–2 inches wide, no mound, surface runways through grass | Surface-level (runways) or shallow burrows 2–4 inches deep | Surface runways (1–2 inch wide trails) through grass; gnawed bark at base of trees and shrubs | Statewide |
Townsend's Mole — North America's Largest Mole
Townsend's mole (Scapanus townsendii) is the largest mole species in North America, reaching up to 9 inches in length and weighing 4–5 ounces. This species is found exclusively in the lowlands of western Washington, Oregon, and northern California, where it thrives in the deep, moist, well-drained soils of lawns, golf courses, pastures, and meadows. Townsend's mole is named after naturalist John Kirk Townsend, who collected the first specimen in the Pacific Northwest in the 1830s.
The damage caused by Townsend's mole is the most severe of any mole species. Its mounds are 3–4 inches in diameter and can number in the dozens across a single lawn. The raised surface tunnels form extensive ridge networks that can make a lawn look like a maze of underground highways. Townsend's moles are active year-round, with peak surface tunneling activity in late winter and early spring when the soil is moist and earthworms are near the surface. During dry summer months, they retreat to deeper tunnels to follow the earthworm population deeper into the soil.
In Washington, Townsend's moles are particularly problematic in the Puget Sound region, the Willamette Valley, and the coastal lowlands. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) classifies moles as unprotected nongame wildlife, meaning they may be trapped or removed without a permit. However, the use of poison baits is restricted, and homeowners should follow WDFW guidelines for humane trapping methods.
Mountain Beaver — The Pacific Northwest's Living Fossil
The mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa) is one of the most unique and primitive rodents in the world. Despite its name, the mountain beaver is not a true beaver and does not build dams or live in aquatic environments. It is the only living species in its family (Aplodontiidae), and its fossil record dates back 30–40 million years, making it a living fossil. Mountain beavers are endemic to the Pacific Northwest, found only in western Washington, western Oregon, and small portions of northern California and British Columbia.
Mountain beavers are medium-sized rodents, weighing 2–4 pounds, with dense brown fur, a short tail, and small ears. They are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular. Mountain beavers create extensive burrow systems with entrances 8–12 inches in diameter, often located near forest edges, fern patches, salal bushes, and other dense vegetation. The burrows can be 2–4 feet deep and extend 20–30 feet, with multiple chambers for nesting, food storage, and waste disposal.
In Washington yards, mountain beavers cause damage by digging burrows that undermine foundations, retaining walls, and driveways. They also clip and eat a wide variety of vegetation, including ornamental plants, garden vegetables, and tree seedlings. Mountain beavers are known for their strong, musky odor and their habit of clipping vegetation and dragging it into their burrows. In Washington, mountain beavers are classified as unprotected wildlife and may be trapped or removed without a permit. The WDFW considers them a pest species in many areas due to the damage they cause to forestry operations and residential properties.
Raccoons and Striped Skunks — Washington's Nocturnal Foragers
Raccoons (Procyon lotor) and striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) are found throughout Washington State and are responsible for much of the nocturnal digging damage in suburban and urban yards. Both species are omnivorous and dig shallow holes in lawns while foraging for grubs, beetle larvae, and other soil insects. The damage is most common in spring and early summer when grub populations are highest near the soil surface.
Raccoon damage in Washington yards typically appears as 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 western Washington, raccoons are particularly common in suburban neighborhoods bordering forests and greenbelts. They are also known to damage gardens, especially sweet corn, berries, and melons. Raccoons can carry rabies and raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis), which poses a health risk to humans and pets.
Striped skunks are less common in the dense forests of western Washington but are frequently found in agricultural areas, suburban neighborhoods, and the drier regions of eastern Washington. Skunk damage consists of small, cone-shaped holes 1–3 inches deep, often in a scattered pattern across the lawn. The holes are typically 3–4 inches in diameter at the surface and taper to a point. 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.
Pocket Gophers — Eastern Washington's Burrowing Specialists
Pocket gophers are the primary burrowing pest in eastern Washington, particularly in agricultural areas, orchards, and rangeland. Two species are found in Washington: the northern pocket gopher (Thomomys talpoides) and the Mazama pocket gopher (Thomomys mazama). Pocket gophers are solitary, fossorial (burrowing) rodents that spend most of their lives underground, feeding on plant roots and occasionally pulling entire plants down into their burrows from below.
Pocket gopher damage is characterized by fan-shaped or horseshoe-shaped mounds of loose soil, 2–4 inches in diameter, with a visible plug of soil on one side. Unlike moles, pocket gophers do not create raised surface tunnels. Their mounds are often clustered in a line or scattered across an area. Gophers also create feeder holes—small openings in the ground where they have pulled a plant down into the tunnel. These holes are often found near the base of a damaged plant, with the plant itself missing entirely.
In eastern Washington, pocket gophers cause significant economic damage to alfalfa fields, apple orchards, and wheat farms. They are also a common pest in residential lawns and gardens. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife classifies pocket gophers as unprotected wildlife, allowing landowners to trap or remove them without a permit. However, the Mazama pocket gopher is a species of concern in some areas, and homeowners should verify the current status of local populations before taking control measures.
Seasonal Digging Patterns in Washington
| Season | Primary Diggers | Activity Level | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Townsend's moles, coast moles, mountain beavers | High | Peak mole tunneling in moist spring soil; mountain beavers active after winter rains; skunks and raccoons begin grub foraging |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Raccoons, skunks, pocket gophers | Moderate | Raccoons raid gardens for berries and corn; pocket gophers active in eastern WA; mole activity decreases as soil dries |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Mountain beavers, moles, raccoons | Moderate | Mountain beavers stockpile food for winter; moles increase tunneling with autumn rains; raccoons feed heavily before winter |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Moles, mountain beavers | Low–Moderate | Moles remain active below frost line in western WA; mountain beavers may be active during mild periods; other species less active |
How to Get Rid of Animals Digging in Your Washington Yard
1. Reduce Grub Populations
Grubs are a primary food source for skunks, raccoons, and moles in Washington. Apply beneficial nematodes (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) to your lawn in late summer or early fall when soil temperatures are above 60°F. These microscopic worms seek out and kill grub larvae without harming beneficial insects or the environment. Milky spore (Bacillus popilliae) is also effective against Japanese beetle grubs, though Washington has lower Japanese beetle populations than the eastern United States. Washington State University Extension recommends testing for grub populations before applying any treatment—dig up a 1-square-foot section of sod; if you find fewer than 10 grubs, treatment is generally not necessary.
2. Exclusion Fencing
Install 1/4-inch galvanized hardware cloth buried 12–18 inches deep around garden beds, sheds, and deck perimeters. For mountain beavers, the fence should extend at least 2 feet above ground and be made of heavy-gauge wire mesh. For raccoons, consider adding an electric wire 4–6 inches above the ground or using a roller bar system on top of fences. Bury the fencing with an outward L-shaped footer (6–12 inches horizontal) to prevent animals from digging under. Seal all gaps under sheds, decks, and porches with heavy-gauge wire mesh or concrete.
3. Live Trapping
Live trapping is a common method for removing raccoons, skunks, and mountain beavers in Washington. Use cage traps sized appropriately: 10×12×36 inches for raccoons, and 10×12×24 inches for skunks and mountain beavers. Place traps near burrow entrances, along travel routes, or near damaged areas. Bait with canned fish, sardines, or sweet corn for raccoons; peanut butter and oats for skunks; and fresh greens or apples for mountain beavers. Washington State regulations require that trapped animals be released or euthanized humanely. Relocating wildlife to a new location without a permit is illegal in Washington. Always check with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for current trapping regulations.
4. Habitat Modification
Remove brush piles, rock piles, and dense vegetation that provide cover for digging animals. Keep grass mowed short, especially near garden edges. Seal crawl spaces, vents, and foundation gaps with heavy-gauge hardware cloth. Store garbage in animal-proof containers with locking lids. For mountain beaver control, removing dense understory vegetation such as ferns, salal, and blackberry thickets can make an area less attractive. In western Washington, maintaining a 20-foot buffer zone of mowed grass around gardens and structures reduces cover for all digging animals.
5. Professional Wildlife Removal
When DIY methods are not sufficient, licensed wildlife control operators in Washington can provide professional removal services. These professionals are trained in humane trapping, exclusion, and damage repair techniques. They can also clean up animal waste and decontaminate areas affected by raccoon or skunk activity. Professional removal costs in Washington typically range from $250 to $900, depending on the species, infestation severity, and the complexity of exclusion work. For persistent problems involving mountain beavers or Townsend's moles, professional services are often the most effective long-term solution. Searching for washington wildlife removal or wildlife removal near me will help you find licensed professionals in your area.
Washington-Specific Regulations
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) regulates wildlife management in the state. Moles (both Townsend's and coast moles) are classified as unprotected nongame wildlife, meaning they may be trapped or removed without a permit. However, the use of poison baits, including strychnine and zinc phosphide, is restricted in Washington—these products require a special pesticide license to purchase and apply. Homeowners should use mechanical traps instead.
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Mountain beavers are classified as unprotected wildlife in Washington and may be trapped or removed without a permit. The WDFW considers mountain beavers a pest species in many areas and encourages landowners to take control measures when damage occurs. Pocket gophers are also classified as unprotected wildlife, except for the Mazama pocket gopher, which is a species of concern in some parts of Washington. Homeowners should verify the current status of pocket gopher populations in their area before taking control measures.
Raccoons and skunks are classified as furbearers in Washington 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 Washington without a permit from the WDFW. Homeowners are encouraged to work with licensed wildlife control operators for nuisance wildlife issues. Washington State University Extension provides research-based guidance on wildlife management and can be a valuable resource for homeowners.
FAQ: Washington Yard Digging
What is digging small holes in my Washington lawn?
Small holes (1–3 inches wide) without mounds in Washington lawns are typically caused by skunks or raccoons digging for grubs. If the holes are accompanied by raised surface tunnels and volcano-shaped mounds, the culprit is likely a Townsend's mole or coast mole. In eastern Washington, fan-shaped mounds with a plugged hole indicate pocket gopher activity.
How do I tell a mole from a pocket gopher in Washington?
Moles create raised surface tunnels (ridges) across the lawn and volcano-shaped mounds. Pocket gophers create fan-shaped or horseshoe-shaped mounds with a visible soil plug and do not create surface tunnels. Mole mounds are circular and volcano-like; gopher mounds are crescent-shaped with a hole off to one side. Moles are found primarily in western Washington, while pocket gophers are more common in eastern Washington.
Are mountain beavers dangerous to pets?
Mountain beavers are not aggressive toward pets or humans and will typically flee rather than fight. However, their burrows can pose a tripping hazard and can cause injury to pets that step into them. The primary concern with mountain beavers is property damage rather than direct harm. They are known to carry fleas and ticks, so keeping pets away from mountain beaver burrows is advisable.
Can I use poison to control moles in Washington?
The use of poison baits for mole control is restricted in Washington. Products containing strychnine or zinc phosphide require a special pesticide license to purchase and apply. Homeowners are strongly encouraged to use mechanical traps instead, such as scissor-jaw traps, harpoon traps, or choker-loop traps. Washington State University Extension provides detailed guidance on mole trapping techniques.
What is the best time of year to trap moles in Washington?
The best time to trap moles in Washington is late winter to early spring (February–April) and fall (September–November), when moles are most active in the upper soil layers. Trapping is most effective when the soil is moist and moles are actively extending their surface tunnels. During dry summer months, moles retreat to deeper tunnels where they are harder to trap.
What is digging holes in my yard at night in Washington?
Nocturnal digging in Washington yards is most commonly caused by raccoons and striped skunks foraging for grubs and insects. Raccoons create larger, irregular patches of torn-up sod, while skunks leave small, cone-shaped holes. In western Washington, mountain beavers may also be active at night, though they are more active during dusk and dawn. If you live near forested areas, black bears may occasionally dig in yards, though this is less common. The best way to confirm the species is to set up a motion-activated camera to capture images of the nighttime visitor.
Sources: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Washington State University (WSU) Extension, U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services, University of Washington Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, and the Washington State Department of Agriculture. This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult current state regulations before implementing wildlife control measures.