University of Illinois Extension

Identifying the Animal Causing a Problem

Burrow Holes

Burrows originally excavated by woodchucks (Marmota monax) are often taken over by other animals after the woodchuck has abandoned the burrow. Check for tracks, scat, or the presence of young animals at the burrow entrance when trying to determine what species is using the site.

Woodchuck (<i>Marmota monax</i>) burrow. Photo courtesy of Liza Watson, University of Illinois. <p><a href="directory_show.cfm?species=woodchuck">Continue to Wildlife Directory</a></p>
Woodchuck or "Ground Hog"
Woodchuck (<i>Marmota monax</i>) burrow. Photo courtesy of Liza Watson, University of Illinois. <p><a href="directory_show.cfm?species=woodchuck">Continue to Wildlife Directory</a></p>
Woodchuck or "Ground Hog"
Woodchuck (<i>Marmota monax</i>) burrow. Photo courtesy of Liza Watson, University of Illinois. <p><a href="directory_show.cfm?species=woodchuck">Continue to Wildlife Directory</a></p>
Woodchuck or "Ground Hog"
Coyote (<i>Canis latrans</i>) den. Photo courtesy of Willowbrook Wildlife Center. <p><a href="directory_show.cfm?species=coyote">Continue to Wildlife Directory</a></p>
Coyote
Muskrats have several underwater trails to their lodges or dens. These trails are called muskrat runs. Photo courtesy of Bob Bluett, Illinois Department of Natural Resources. <p><a href="directory_show.cfm?species=muskrat">Continue to Wildlife Directory</a></p>
Muskrat
Chipmunk (<i>Tamias striatus</i>) burrow. <p><a href="directory_show.cfm?species=groundsquirrel">Continue to Wildlife Directory</a></p>
Ground Squirrel
Thirteen-lined ground squirrel (<i>Spermophilus tridecemlineatus</i>) burrow. Photo courtesy of Willowbrook Wildlife Center. <p><a href="directory_show.cfm?species=groundsquirrel">Continue to Wildlife Directory</a></p>
Ground Squirrel
Beaver (<i>Castor canadensis</i>) den. Photo courtesy of Willowbrook Wildlife Center. <p><a href="directory_show.cfm?species=beaver">Continue to Wildlife Directory</a></p>
Beaver
Red foxes (<i>Vulpes vulpes</i>) often leave "playthings" around the den entrance for the pups. Photo courtesy of Willowbrook Wildlife Center. <p><a href="directory_show.cfm?species=redfox">Continue to Wildlife Directory</a></p>
Red Fox
Den under a building. Photo courtesy of Willowbrook Wildlife Center. <p><a href="directory_show.cfm?species=redfox">Continue to Wildlife Directory</a></p>
Red Fox
Identify an Animal