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Critters digging up lawn #926512

Asked March 22, 2026, 3:56 PM EDT

Hi, we have somethng digging up our lawn, digging small holes and ripping the grass up, turning it over. Maybe voles? The holes are and inch or a little more big. They keep taking more territory, a quarter of the from yard now.

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thanks for the question.

Perhaps these holes could reflect vole activity, but I’m more inclined to think they are holes made by birds and/or skunks in search for grubs in the soil. See the following for further information:

https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/whats-digging-your-yard

https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/japanese-beetles

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/animals-digging-lawns/

Thanks for consulting us.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 22, 2026, 10:40 PM EDT

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