Though many common burrowing animals are present all over (and as such, might be hard to narrow down by location alone), a little research can still go a long way when deciding between two potential culprits.

For example, if you find the hole is very small, say about the width of your finger, you can rule out larger mammals like groundhogs or raccoons, which wouldn’t fit inside. In general, smaller animals (like squirrels) burrow in holes 3 in (7. 6 cm) and smaller, whereas medium animals will be around 3–12 in (7. 6–30. 5 cm).

Mounds come in many shapes. Some resemble small volcanoes with holes in the center, others are u-shaped, and still others are shaped like small chimneys or towers.

For example, if a hole is on the side of a riverbank, you’re likely dealing with a semi-aquatic animal like a crayfish.

Geography: All of the United States and Canada. Hole size: 8–12 in (20–30 cm). Gopher holes are often bean-shaped. Soil: Mounds of dirt and rocks around the hole. Location: Meadows and prairies. Groundhogs also dig near gardens or barns.

Geography: North/central United States and Canada, only at elevations above 6,000 feet (1,800 m)[8] X Research source Hole size: 2 in (5. 1 cm) Soil: No mounds. Location: Near or beneath logs, rocks, or other structures

Geography: United States, Canada, South America Hole size: 3–4 in (7. 6–10. 2 cm), cone-shaped Soil: No mound, but there may be disturbed earth, such as shallow holes or unearthed plant roots. . Location: Lawns and gardens

Geography: North America, Europe, and other temperate regions like Japan and Taiwan Hole size: 1 ft (0. 30 m) Soil: Cone-shaped mounds, raised and wandering ridges Location: Lawns and gardens

Geography: North America, Mexico, British Isles, Asia Hole size: 1 in (2. 5 cm) Soil: No mound, but there may be narrow, recessed pathways leading to the hole. Location: Beneath shrubs or in gardens

Geography: North America, Mexico Hole size: 2 inches (5. 1 cm) Soil: Mounds or loose soil Location: Under or near log piles, stumps, buildings

Geography: North, Central, and South America, Australia Hole size: 7–8 in (18–20 cm) wide, 15 ft (4. 6 m) deep. Soil: Disturbed soil, plowed furrows Location: Lawns, gardens, flower beds

Geography: Universal Hole size: 2–3 in (5. 1–7. 6 cm) Soil: Worn or flattened ground in front of the entrance where the rats come and go frequently. Location: Almost anywhere

Geography: Eastern United States and Tasmania (cicada killers), Universal (bees) Hole size: 0. 25–1 in (0. 64–2. 54 cm) Soil: 2 in (5. 1 cm) mounds or u-shaped deposits around holes. Cicada killer holes often feature small paths into the hole. Location: Areas of sparse vegetation or low grass

Geography: North America, Europe, East Asia Hole size: 1 in (2. 5 cm) Soil: Tower created from balled mud that rises 2–4 in (5. 1–10. 2 cm) from the soil Location: Near creeks