Quick Answer
The most common animals digging holes in Wisconsin yards are eastern moles (Scalopus aquaticus), star-nosed moles (Condylura cristata) near wetlands, meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus), groundhogs (Marmota monax), striped skunks, and raccoons. In southern Wisconsin, thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) dig small burrows in lawns and gardens. Moles and voles cause most of the turf damage across the state.
Identifying Yard-Digging Wildlife in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s mix of dairy farmland, lake country, and northern forest supports a wide variety of burrowing wildlife. The Wisconsin DNR and University of Wisconsin Extension field steady yard-digging complaints, with moles, voles, and groundhogs at the top of the list. Whether you live in Milwaukee, Madison, or a rural township, identifying the animal is the first step toward effective management.
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, ground squirrels, woodchucks, or moles. Holes WITHOUT mounds are from armadillos, skunks, raccoons, or other grub-hunting foragers. Raised surface tunnels with no visible entrance = moles. This single distinction eliminates half the possibilities immediately.
Wisconsin Yard-Digging Animal Identification Table
| Animal | Hole Size & Shape | Depth | Damage Pattern | Wisconsin Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Mole | Volcano-shaped mounds, 6–12 inches wide | Surface tunnels, 2–4 inches below grade | Raised ridge tunnels across lawns, dead grass patches | Southern and eastern WI |
| Star-Nosed Mole | Volcano-shaped mounds near wet areas | Tunnels 2–12 inches deep | Mounds and surface tunnels in moist lawns, near streams and ponds | Statewide near wetlands |
| Meadow Vole | 1–2 inch holes with runways | Shallow, 1–4 inches | Surface runways through grass, chewed roots and bark | Statewide |
| Groundhog / Woodchuck | Large entrance, 8–12 inches wide | 2–6 feet deep | Big dirt mound, undermined foundations and sheds | Southern WI, farmland and suburbs |
| Striped Skunk | 3–4 inch conical holes | Shallow, 1–2 inches | Small scattered holes in lawn, overturned sod (grub hunting) | Statewide |
| Raccoon | 3–5 inch wide, shallow depressions | 1–3 inches | Rolled-back sod, tipped planters, lawn patches peeled up | Statewide, especially urban |
| Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel | 2–3 inch holes, small mounds | Up to 3 feet deep | Scattered small holes in lawns and gardens, chewed plants | Southern and central WI |
Eastern Mole
The eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus) is the most common lawn-damaging mole in southern and eastern Wisconsin, where soils are moist and loamy. It feeds on earthworms and grubs, and its shallow foraging tunnels create the raised ridges that crisscross lawns.
Moles produce volcano-shaped mounds in addition to surface ridges. The tunneling dries out soil and kills grass roots, leaving brown, bumpy strips. Moles do not eat plants — the damage is indirect.
Trapping in active tunnels is the reliable control, using scissor-jaw or harpoon traps set in fresh, straight runs. University of Wisconsin Extension recommends timing for spring and fall, the peak damage windows.
Star-Nosed Mole
The star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata) is common in Wisconsin near wetlands, streams, ponds, and moist low spots. It is easily recognized by the ring of pink, fleshy tentacles around its nose, which it uses to sense prey in water and mud.
Star-nosed moles are excellent swimmers and feed heavily on aquatic invertebrates as well as earthworms. In yards near water, they create volcano-shaped mounds and shallow surface tunnels similar to the eastern mole, sometimes in boggy patches of lawn.
Because this species is tied to moisture, improving lawn drainage and reducing chronically wet areas can discourage it. Where damage is confined to a small wet zone, trapping in active tunnels works the same as for other moles.
Meadow Vole
Meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) are widespread in Wisconsin and can be very damaging. They create shallow runways through grass, dig small 1–2 inch entrance holes, and chew plant stems, roots, and bark.
Vole damage peaks in winter, when the animals tunnel under snow and girdle young trees and shrubs — a problem that becomes visible in spring. Populations boom on a multi-year cycle.
Control: keep grass short, clear mulch and ground cover from plant bases, and protect young trees with hardware cloth cylinders. Trapping and targeted baiting follow University of Wisconsin Extension IPM guidance.
Groundhog / Woodchuck
Groundhogs (Marmota monax) are common in southern Wisconsin, especially along farmland, fencerows, and suburban edges. They dig large burrows with entrances up to a foot wide and prominent dirt mounds, tunneling 2–6 feet deep and 30 feet or more.
Groundhogs undermine foundations, sheds, patios, and outbuildings and strip gardens through the growing season. They are diurnal and usually visible in the morning and late afternoon.
Exclusion with buried hardware cloth is the most durable fix. Live trapping with fresh greens or melon works best in early spring. Groundhogs are not protected in Wisconsin, but check local ordinances and obtain landowner permission before releasing any captured animal.
Striped Skunk
The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is found statewide and forages for grubs in Wisconsin lawns at night, leaving small conical holes about 3–4 inches wide. Skunks also den under porches, decks, sheds, and woodpiles.
Skunks are a common rabies vector species, and a skunk active in daylight should never be approached. Their spray is the main practical problem for homeowners.
Prevention: secure trash, remove pet food at night, and seal under-deck openings with hardware cloth. Trapping is restricted because skunks are classified as furbearers in Wisconsin.
Raccoon
Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are abundant across Wisconsin, including Milwaukee and Madison. In yards they roll back sod hunting grubs, overturn garbage, and raid bird feeders. Raccoons are nocturnal, so damage appearing overnight is a strong sign of their activity.
They commonly den in attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces, making them a leading wildlife-removal call. Raccoons are a rabies vector species, so animals in a structure should be evicted by a licensed professional.
Secure trash with locking lids, remove pet food and birdseed at night, and cap chimneys. Professional removal is recommended for animals inside buildings.
Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel
The thirteen-lined ground squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) is a small, striped burrowing rodent common in southern and central Wisconsin lawns, parks, and roadsides. It digs neat 2–3 inch burrow openings with small dirt mounds and is often seen sitting upright at the burrow edge.
Unlike moles and voles, this squirrel is a seed- and insect-eater that digs visible burrow systems with multiple entrances. It can be a nuisance in lawns and gardens but does relatively little structural damage compared to groundhogs.
Control options include habitat modification (keep grass mowed, remove rock piles), exclusion of garden beds, and live trapping. In Wisconsin, thirteen-lined ground squirrels are not protected and may be controlled by landowners.
Seasonal Digging Patterns in Wisconsin
| Season | Most Active Diggers | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Moles, voles, groundhogs, raccoons | Breeding season; soil is moist and easy to dig; grubs and insects are abundant after winter |
| Summer | Skunks, raccoons, armadillos (south), groundhogs | Warm nights drive nocturnal grub-foraging; young animals disperse to new territories |
| Fall | Moles, voles, groundhogs, gophers | Animals build winter food caches and fat stores before cold weather |
| Winter | Moles, voles (under snow) | Moles stay active under frozen turf; voles tunnel beneath snow cover |
How to Get Rid of Animals Digging in Your Wisconsin Yard
1. Reduce Grub Populations
Many digging animals — especially skunks and raccoons — are after grubs and insects in your lawn. Treat your lawn with beneficial nematodes or milky spore to control grub populations naturally. For chemical control, an imidacloprid application in early summer can reduce grub numbers the following season. Always follow your state extension service integrated pest management (IPM) guidelines when choosing treatments.
2. Exclusion Fencing
For groundhogs, gophers, and other burrowing animals, bury galvanized hardware cloth or 1/4-inch mesh fencing at least 18 inches deep around gardens, foundations, and critical areas. The fence should extend above ground by at least 2 feet and include an outward-facing flange at the bottom to prevent digging underneath. For feral hogs, heavy-duty hog panel fencing is required.
3. Live Trapping
Live trapping can be effective for groundhogs, raccoons, and skunks. Use bait such as peanut butter, seeds, or fresh fruits. Check traps at least twice daily and be prepared to handle trapped animals according to state regulations. Note that relocating trapped wildlife is often illegal or restricted without a permit — always check with your state wildlife agency before moving any animal.
4. Habitat Modification
Remove brush piles, rock piles, tall grass, and dense ground cover that provide shelter for burrowing animals. Keep your lawn mowed and eliminate food sources such as fallen fruit, birdseed spills, and pet food left outdoors. Installing motion-activated sprinklers can deter nocturnal foragers like skunks and raccoons.
5. Professional Wildlife Removal
If DIY methods fail to resolve the problem, contacting a professional wildlife removal service is the safest and most effective option. Licensed professionals have the experience, equipment, and permits to handle persistent infestations, especially for protected species or large animals like feral hogs. Search for Wisconsin wildlife removal to find qualified operators in your area. The average cost for professional wildlife removal in Wisconsin ranges from $250 to $1,000, depending on the species, severity of infestation, and accessibility of the site.
Wisconsin-Specific Regulations
- Eastern mole / star-nosed mole: Not protected. May be trapped on private property. Poison baits are not recommended due to secondary poisoning risk.
- Meadow vole: Not protected. May be trapped, baited, or excluded by landowners.
- Groundhog: Not protected. Landowners may control groundhogs; check local ordinances for trapping and shooting rules.
- Striped skunk: Classified as a furbearer in Wisconsin. Trapping requires a license during the open season; nuisance situations are handled by licensed wildlife control operators.
- Raccoon: Classified as a furbearer. Trapping is subject to license and season rules; relocation is not permitted.
- Thirteen-lined ground squirrel: Not protected. May be controlled by landowners; check local ordinances.
FAQ: Wisconsin Yard Digging
What is the Wisconsin state animal and is it a yard digger?
The American badger is the Wisconsin state animal. Badgers dig extensive burrows, but they are uncommon in residential yards and are a species of concern in the state, so they are rarely the cause of yard damage. Moles, voles, and groundhogs are the usual culprits.
How do I tell a thirteen-lined ground squirrel hole from a mole mound in Wisconsin?
Thirteen-lined ground squirrels dig neat 2–3 inch burrow openings with small mounds and are often seen during the day sitting at the entrance. Mole mounds are volcano-shaped, larger, and have no visible opening, and moles also leave raised surface ridges.
Do Wisconsin groundhogs hibernate?
Yes. Wisconsin groundhogs are true hibernators, typically entering torpor in late fall and emerging in late winter or early spring, often around February, depending on snow and temperatures.
Do moles hibernate in Wisconsin?
No. Eastern and star-nosed moles remain active year-round in Wisconsin, digging deeper to follow earthworms and aquatic prey when the surface freezes. Damage is most visible in spring and fall.
Why do I have mole tunnels in my yard near a pond?
If your yard is near a stream, pond, or wet low spot, the culprit is likely the star-nosed mole, which thrives in moist habitats and feeds on aquatic invertebrates. Improving drainage and reducing chronically wet lawn areas can discourage it.
What is digging holes in my yard at night in Wisconsin?
Nocturnal diggers in Wisconsin are most commonly skunks and raccoons hunting grubs, which leave small conical holes and peeled-back sod. Daytime diggers include groundhogs, thirteen-lined ground squirrels, and moles. If fresh holes appear overnight, it is almost certainly a nocturnal species.
Professional Wildlife Removal in Wisconsin
If you need professional help, see our Wildlife Removal Cost: $200-$1,500 (2026 Complete Price Guide) for pricing information. Costs vary by animal type and infestation severity.
Sources: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional wildlife management advice.