18 Animals That Dig Holes in Texas: Complete Wildlife Identification Guide

Animals That Dig Holes in Texas

You step outside to water your garden and freeze. Your once-pristine lawn now resembles a moonscape dotted with mysterious holes, torn earth, and peculiar mounds.

If you’re a Texas homeowner, you’ve likely encountered this frustrating scenario at least once.

The Lone Star State’s diverse wildlife population includes numerous species that view your yard as their personal excavation site, leaving behind telltale signs that can help you identify the culprit.

Understanding which animals dig holes in Texas isn’t just about satisfying curiosity—it’s about protecting your property, maintaining your landscape, and coexisting peacefully with local wildlife.

From the iconic armadillo’s shallow feeding holes to the pocket gopher’s extensive tunnel networks, each species leaves behind distinct clues that reveal their identity and behavior patterns.

This comprehensive guide will help you identify exactly which creature is responsible for your yard’s makeover, understand why they’re digging, and discover effective strategies for managing these uninvited landscapers.

Whether you’re dealing with small insects creating tiny holes or larger mammals establishing underground territories, you’ll learn to decode the signs and take appropriate action.

1. Armadillo

Nine-banded Armadillo - Animals that Eat Insects
by gurdonark is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Texas’s official small mammal, the armadillo, tops the list of hole-digging troublemakers across the state.

These armored mammals create some of the most recognizable damage patterns in residential areas, and their nocturnal habits often leave homeowners puzzled about the overnight transformation of their yards.

Did You Know? Armadillos can hold their breath for up to six minutes and have poor eyesight, relying primarily on their exceptional sense of smell to locate food.

Identifying Armadillo Holes

Armadillo holes are typically 3 to 5 inches wide and 1 to 3 inches deep, scattered throughout lawns in seemingly random patterns.

Unlike other animals that create neat, organized digging patterns, armadillos leave behind what looks like someone took a small shovel and randomly punched holes across your property.

The holes appear conical or funnel-shaped, often with loose soil scattered around the edges.

They will often root similar to pigs, especially in loose mulch.

You might also notice shallow grooves or furrows in the soil where armadillos have used their powerful claws to scratch for insects.

Why Armadillos Dig

Armadillos are primarily insectivores, spending up to 90% of their time searching for food.

They’re particularly attracted to:

  • Grubs and beetle larvae
  • Earthworms and other soil invertebrates
  • Ant colonies and termite nests
  • Soft, moist soil that’s easy to excavate

Pro Tip: Armadillo activity often increases after rain when the soil becomes softer and insects move closer to the surface.

Armadillo Burrow Systems

Beyond feeding holes, armadillos create extensive burrow systems for shelter and raising young.

Armadillos burrow under foundations, concrete slabs, driveways, pools, and other structures.

These burrows can extend 10-20 feet underground and may have multiple entrances, typically measuring 7-8 inches in diameter.

For professional guidance on armadillo management, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department provides comprehensive resources for dealing with nuisance wildlife.

2. Pocket Gopher

Pocket Gopher
by (c) Juan Cruzado Cortés, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Often confused with moles, pocket gophers are true Texas natives that create some of the most extensive underground tunnel systems in residential areas.

These rodents rarely surface, making them mysterious yet highly destructive yard visitors.

Recognizing Gopher Damage

Gopher holes can be identified by mounds of dirt next to small burrows, usually about 2 to 3 inches wide.

Unlike mole hills, gopher mounds are typically crescent or fan-shaped, with the hole located to one side rather than in the center.

The mounds consist of finely pulverized soil that gophers push to the surface while excavating their tunnels.

Fresh mounds indicate active tunneling, while older ones become weathered and flattened over time.

Gopher Tunnel Networks

Pocket gophers create two types of tunnel systems:

  • Shallow tunnels (6-12 inches deep) for foraging
  • Deep tunnels (several feet deep) for nesting and shelter

These tunnels can span several hundred square feet and may cause visible ridges or soft spots in your lawn where the ground has settled.

Impact on Texas Landscapes

Gophers pose unique challenges for Texas homeowners:

  • Root damage to trees, shrubs, and garden plants
  • Interference with irrigation systems
  • Soil erosion from extensive tunneling
  • Aesthetic damage to lawns and landscaping

3. Mole

Moles - Animals With Claws
by rightee is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The eastern mole, though less common in Texas than in other southeastern states, still creates distinctive damage patterns in certain regions.

These insectivores are perfectly adapted for underground life, with powerful front paws and specialized anatomy for tunneling.

Mole Tunnel Identification

Mole damage appears as raised ridges or “runs” across lawns, created by their shallow feeding tunnels just beneath the surface.

Unlike gopher mounds, mole hills are typically cone-shaped with the hole in the center, resembling miniature volcanoes.

Key Differences:

  • Mole hills: Cone-shaped, fine soil texture
  • Gopher mounds: Fan-shaped, coarser soil texture
  • Armadillo holes: Conical, scattered randomly

Mole Behavior Patterns

Moles are active year-round but create more visible damage during spring and fall when soil conditions are optimal for tunneling.

They consume up to 100% of their body weight daily in insects and earthworms, making them voracious excavators.

4. Skunk

The Striped Skunk - Animals With Fluffy Tails
by Smithsonian’s National Zoo is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Texas skunks are skilled diggers, creating distinctive damage patterns while searching for food.

Their strong claws and persistent digging behavior can quickly transform a pristine lawn into a patchwork of holes and disturbed soil.

Skunk Digging Patterns

Skunks create small, cone-shaped holes about 1-3 inches deep and 3-4 inches wide.

Unlike armadillos, skunks tend to dig in clusters or lines, following scent trails of insects or grubs.

The holes often appear in areas with:

  • High grub populations
  • Soft, recently watered soil
  • Fallen fruit or other food sources nearby

Seasonal Activity

Skunk digging activity peaks during:

  • Spring: When insects become more active
  • Fall: As they prepare for winter and food becomes scarce
  • After rain: When soil is soft and prey is accessible

Additional Signs

Beyond holes, skunks leave other indicators:

  • Strong musky odor in affected areas
  • Tracks showing five toes with visible claws
  • Damaged garbage cans or pet food containers

5. Raccoon

Plants That Repel Raccoons
Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash

Raccoons are opportunistic diggers with remarkable dexterity, creating characteristic damage patterns that differ significantly from other hole-digging animals.

Their “hand-like” paws allow them to manipulate soil and objects with precision.

Raccoon Excavation Style

Raccoons tend to dig a small hole in the side of the melon and rake out the contents with one paw when feeding on fruits, but their lawn damage follows different patterns:

  • Lawn Rolling: Raccoons literally roll back sections of sod to access grubs underneath
  • Precise Digging: Small, neat holes where they’ve extracted specific prey items
  • Debris Scattering: Unlike other animals, raccoons often leave plant material and debris around their digging sites

Raccoon Activity Indicators

Beyond holes, raccoons leave distinctive signs:

  • Muddy paw prints near water sources
  • Torn or rolled sod pieces
  • Damage to garbage cans and outdoor pet food
  • Evidence of food washing near water features

Damage Timeline

Raccoon damage typically occurs:

  • At night: Raccoons are primarily nocturnal
  • During dry periods: When natural water sources are scarce
  • In established neighborhoods: Where food sources are abundant

6. Fox

Red Fox - Animals With Fluffy Tails
by Billy Lindblom is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Texas foxes, including red foxes and gray foxes, create holes for multiple purposes beyond just food gathering.

Their digging behavior reflects complex territorial and survival strategies that result in various hole types across your property.

Fox Den Characteristics

Fox dens are more elaborate than simple feeding holes:

  • Main entrance: 4-6 inches in diameter
  • Multiple escape routes: Secondary holes nearby
  • Depth: Can extend 6-10 feet underground
  • Location: Often under porches, sheds, or in secluded areas

Fox Feeding Holes

When hunting, foxes create smaller, more precise holes:

  • Shallow excavations following scent trails
  • Holes near rodent burrows or nesting areas
  • Evidence of successful hunts (fur, feathers, bones)

Seasonal Patterns

Fox digging activity varies by season:

  • Spring: Den preparation for raising young
  • Summer: Minimal digging, focus on surface hunting
  • Fall/Winter: Cache digging to store food supplies

7. Coyote

Coyotes
by Dru Bloomfield is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Coyotes have adapted remarkably well to Texas’s urban and suburban environments, creating various types of holes and excavations that reflect their opportunistic nature and complex social behaviors.

Coyote Den Systems

Coyote dens are substantial excavations:

  • Entrance diameter: 6-12 inches
  • Tunnel length: 5-30 feet
  • Multiple chambers: For different purposes
  • Strategic locations: Hidden but accessible

Coyote Hunting Holes

Coyotes bite holes and eat out the center portion of the fruit when feeding on melons, but their predatory digging follows different patterns:

  • Deep holes near rodent colonies
  • Excavations around rabbit warrens
  • Precise digging following scent trails

Urban Adaptations

City-dwelling coyotes modify their digging behavior:

  • Smaller territories: More concentrated digging activity
  • Opportunistic feeding: Holes near garbage areas
  • Cautious excavation: Less extensive digging due to human presence

8. Badger

Facts About Honey Badgers
by null is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Though less common in residential areas, badgers create some of the most impressive excavations in Texas when they do appear.

These powerful diggers can transform landscapes overnight with their incredible tunneling abilities.

Badger Hole Identification

Badger excavations are unmistakable:

  • Size: 8-12 inches in diameter
  • Depth: Can exceed 3 feet
  • Soil mounds: Large piles of excavated earth
  • Tunnel shape: Elliptical rather than round

Badger Hunting Strategy

Badgers dig to capture prey:

  • Target: Ground squirrels, prairie dogs, rodents
  • Method: Powerful claws and incredible strength
  • Results: Extensive excavation around prey burrows

Habitat Preferences

Badgers prefer:

  • Open grasslands and prairies
  • Areas with abundant rodent populations
  • Loose, sandy soils that allow easy digging
  • Minimal human disturbance

9. Rabbit

Volcano Rabbit
by José Luiz is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Texas rabbits, including cottontails and jackrabbits, create modest but noticeable holes in yards and gardens.

Their excavations serve specific purposes related to shelter, nesting, and escape routes.

Rabbit Hole Characteristics

  • Size: 4-6 inches in diameter
  • Depth: Usually shallow, 6-12 inches
  • Location: Near vegetation or cover
  • Shape: Rounded entrance with smooth edges

Rabbit Nesting Behavior

Female rabbits create special nesting holes:

  • Shallow depressions: Lined with fur and grass
  • Hidden locations: Under bushes or in tall grass
  • Temporary use: Abandoned after young are weaned

Feeding-Related Excavations

Rabbits also dig while foraging:

  • Small scrapes to access roots and bulbs
  • Shallow holes near preferred food plants
  • Evidence of gnawing on nearby vegetation

10. Ground Squirrel

Unstriped Ground Squirrel
by David Bygott is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Ground squirrels create extensive burrow systems that can significantly impact Texas landscapes.

These social rodents often live in colonies, multiplying the potential for property damage.

Ground Squirrel Burrow Networks

  • Entrance holes: 2-4 inches in diameter
  • Multiple entrances: 5-30 openings per colony
  • Tunnel depth: 6-15 feet underground
  • Chamber system: Multiple rooms for different purposes

Colony Behavior

Ground squirrel colonies create:

  • Interconnected tunnels: Linking multiple family groups
  • Shared lookout posts: Elevated mounds for surveillance
  • Food storage areas: Underground caches for winter

Damage Assessment

Ground squirrel activity can cause:

  • Soil erosion: From extensive tunneling
  • Foundation concerns: Burrows under structures
  • Landscape damage: Multiple holes across large areas

11. Rat or Mouse

Rat
by cheesechoker is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Texas hosts numerous rodent species that create holes and tunnels in residential areas.

From roof rats to pocket mice, these small mammals can cause surprisingly extensive damage through their persistent digging behavior.

Common Texas Rodents

Field Mice and Voles

  • Runway paths an inch or two wide connected to neat round holes near your home’s foundation, walkways, or slabs
  • Holes approximately 1-2 inches in diameter
  • Surface runways through grass and vegetation

Pack Rats

  • Larger holes, 3-4 inches in diameter
  • Extensive debris collections near entrances
  • Burrows under rock piles and brush

Norway Rats

  • Holes 2-3 inches in diameter
  • Prefer areas near water sources
  • Often burrow under concrete slabs

Rodent Damage Patterns

Different rodent species create distinct damage:

  • Surface damage: Voles create visible runway systems
  • Underground networks: Rats build extensive tunnel systems
  • Structural concerns: Burrowing under foundations and walkways

Health and Safety Considerations

Rodent holes pose additional concerns:

  • Disease transmission: Potential for various pathogens
  • Structural integrity: Undermining foundations and walkways
  • Secondary pest attraction: Holes may attract other animals

12. Gopher Tortoise

Gopher Tortoise
by Photomatt28 is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

While rare in eastern Texas, gopher tortoises create distinctive burrows that are legally protected in many areas.

Understanding their excavation patterns is crucial for proper wildlife management and legal compliance.

Gopher Tortoise Burrow Features

  • Entrance shape: Distinctive half-moon or D-shaped opening
  • Size: 6-14 inches wide, matching tortoise shell dimensions
  • Depth: Can extend 40+ feet underground
  • Apron: Distinctive sand apron at entrance

Legal Protections

Gopher tortoises are protected species:

  • Federal protection: In some regions
  • State regulations: Vary by location
  • Permit requirements: For relocation or disturbance

Ecological Importance

Gopher tortoise burrows provide:

  • Habitat: For over 350 other species
  • Shelter: Critical wildlife refuges
  • Soil aeration: Beneficial ecosystem services

13. Spiny Lizard

Texas Spiny Lizard - Types Of Lizards In Texas
by TexasEagle is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

Texas spiny lizards create small but noticeable holes in yards, particularly in areas with loose soil or mulch.

These reptiles dig for multiple purposes including shelter, egg-laying, and thermoregulation.

Lizard Hole Characteristics

  • Size: 1-3 inches in diameter
  • Depth: Usually shallow, 4-8 inches
  • Location: Often near rocks, logs, or other cover
  • Shape: Rounded with smooth edges

Seasonal Activity

Lizard digging patterns vary by season:

  • Spring: Increased activity during mating season
  • Summer: Digging for cool refuges
  • Fall: Preparing winter shelters

Beneficial Aspects

Spiny lizards provide valuable ecosystem services:

  • Pest control: Consume insects and spiders
  • Soil aeration: Modest tunneling benefits
  • Minimal damage: Generally harmless to landscapes

14. Toad

Gulf Coast Toad
by going on going on is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

Texas toads create distinctive holes and burrows that serve as both shelter and hibernation sites.

The Gulf Coast toad, in particular, is known for its extensive burrowing behavior during dry periods.

Toad Burrow Features

  • Entrance: 2-4 inches in diameter
  • Depth: Can reach 3-4 feet
  • Location: Often in moist, shaded areas
  • Seasonal use: Vary by weather conditions

Toad Behavior Patterns

Toads dig for various reasons:

  • Aestivation: Surviving hot, dry periods
  • Hibernation: Winter shelter in colder regions
  • Daily shelter: Protection from predators and weather

Garden Benefits

Toads provide significant benefits:

  • Pest control: Consume thousands of insects annually
  • Natural balance: Help maintain ecosystem equilibrium
  • Low impact: Minimal damage to landscapes

15. Ants

Fire Ant Workers
by stevenw12339 is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

Fire ants create some of the most visible and problematic holes in Texas landscapes.

These invasive insects build extensive colony networks that can damage lawns, gardens, and even threaten human safety.

Fire Ant Mound Identification

  • Shape: Dome-shaped mounds with no visible opening
  • Size: Can reach 18+ inches in diameter
  • Soil texture: Fine, granular appearance
  • Location: Open, sunny areas

Colony Structure

Fire ant colonies create:

  • Underground networks: Extensive tunnel systems
  • Multiple mounds: Connected underground
  • Deep excavations: Reaching 6+ feet underground

Management Challenges

Fire ants pose unique problems:

  • Aggressive behavior: Painful stings and swarming
  • Rapid reproduction: Quick colony establishment
  • Environmental impact: Displacement of native species

For professional ant control resources, consult the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension fire ant management guidelines.

16. Cicada Nymphs

Cicada Nymphs
by cotinis is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Cicada nymphs create distinctive holes as they emerge from their underground development phase.

These insects spend years underground before creating their characteristic emergence holes.

Cicada Hole Features

  • Size: Perfectly round, approximately 1/2 inch diameter
  • Depth: Usually 2-8 inches
  • Pattern: May appear in clusters during emergence years
  • Timing: Seasonal, often after rain

Emergence Patterns

Cicada holes appear:

  • Annually: From annual cicada species
  • Periodically: From 13 and 17-year periodical cicadas
  • After rain: When soil conditions are optimal

Identification Tips

Distinguish cicada holes from other insects:

  • Perfect roundness: Unlike irregular ant holes
  • Clean edges: No soil mounds or debris
  • Emergence evidence: Empty nymphal shells nearby

17. Crayfish

Crayfish - Animals That Live in Water
by Gareth1953 All Right Now is licensed under CC BY 2.0

In Texas’s wetter regions, crayfish create distinctive mud chimneys and burrows that indicate their presence.

These aquatic crustaceans construct elaborate tunnel systems that can extend several feet underground.

Crayfish Chimney Identification

  • Mud towers: 2-6 inches tall, made of excavated soil
  • Entrance holes: At the base of chimneys
  • Wetland locations: Near water sources or in saturated soils
  • Structural integrity: Well-constructed, cylindrical towers

Burrowing Behavior

Crayfish dig for:

  • Shelter: Protection from predators and weather
  • Water access: Maintaining moisture levels
  • Breeding sites: Safe areas for reproduction

Ecosystem Role

Crayfish provide important ecological functions:

  • Soil aeration: Beneficial for wetland health
  • Nutrient cycling: Moving organic matter through soil layers
  • Food web support: Serving as prey for various species

18. Dung Beetles

Flightless Dung Beetles
by Kay-africa is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Dung beetles create numerous small holes across Texas landscapes as they bury organic matter for food storage and breeding.

These beneficial insects play crucial roles in nutrient cycling and soil health.

Dung Beetle Hole Characteristics

  • Size: 1/4 to 1/2 inch diameter
  • Depth: Usually 6-12 inches
  • Pattern: Scattered across areas with animal waste
  • Evidence: Small soil mounds at entrances

Beetle Behavior

Dung beetles dig for:

  • Food storage: Burying dung balls for later consumption
  • Breeding sites: Creating brood chambers for eggs
  • Shelter: Temporary refuges from predators

Ecological Benefits

Dung beetles provide valuable services:

  • Waste decomposition: Breaking down animal waste
  • Soil enrichment: Adding organic matter to soil
  • Pest control: Reducing fly populations
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