NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/873551
OCTOBER 2017 • NEBRASKAland 55 burrow. The wasp will lay an egg under the left or right second leg of the cicada. When the egg hatches, the larvae begin to eat the cicada, while taking care to keep it alive. Once the larvae have had their fill, they spin a cocoon in which they will change into adult wasps. Crayfish: Holes are 1 inch in diameter, and are located near creeks, ponds, or other wet areas. Crayfish push up muddy soil out of their burrow into a mini volcano shape with a conical hole at the top. They're generally nocturnal, so during the day, all you'll see are the volcanoes, which can be quite numerous. Chipmunks or rats: This hole is 2 inches in diameter and often extends deep into the ground under a shrub or concrete slab. Moles: These consist of several 2-inch diameter holes with raised tunnels nearby. Burrows These shallow holes are probably the most commonly found. There is no soil around burrow entrances. The holes can range from 1 inch to as large as 36 inches in diameter. Shrews: Shrew burrows, which are 1 inch in diameter, can be found in open areas or woodlands, tunneling just under the soil. Voles: These 1- to 1 1 ⁄2-inch diameter burrows leave no mound and are probably the most common non- mounded hole. These nocturnal rodents make surface runways and are often found near the roots of plants. The vole's path can be easily followed as it resembles a garden hose left on the ground for a time which killed the vegetation. Eastern chipmunks and thirteen- lined ground squirrels: These burrows, which are 2 inches in diameter or less, are usually found near rock gardens, stone walls and short grass. Muskrats: Muskrats create 4-inch diameter holes near lakes, streams or wetlands. Skunks or raccoons: Although these animals usually use other means of housing, it is not uncommon to find them in burrows 6 to 10 inches in diameter. These holes do not feature the animal's signature scent. Foxes: Considered a small hole at 7 inches in diameter, this burrow, found with small animal bones around the entrance, may be home to a fox. Holes are generally taller than they are broad. Groundhogs (woodchucks): A groundhog will have a 10- to 12-inch diameter hole with 4 inches of excavated soil. These burrows are generally found near a garden, garage or outdoor shed. Badgers: These burrows, 12 inches in diameter, are usually found in fields, grasslands or prairies. Badger burrows, known as setts, range in size from one to more than 50 holes. They are usually found on the edges of woods, but can be found in virtually any habitat. Armadillos: An armadillo burrow will be 36 inches in diameter and thoroughly plowed near flowerbeds. All of the verified armadillo sightings in Nebraska have been male. Although not common in Nebraska, the armadillo has slowly been extending its range north, with one found as far north as Ord. Is the Hole Active? How can you tell if an animal hole is active? Check for tracks. This is especially easy to see in the winter when plants and flowers have died back. Next, inspect the area for animal droppings – guidebooks are helpful. Look for signs of young animals at the burrow entrance. In most cases the entrance will be hard and clear of leaves and debris. Look for loose dirt around the hole. What is the size and shape of this hole? Are there small mounds, hills, or piles of soil in other areas? And finally, are any plants (or grass) chewed or damaged? The next time you see new holes in the ground, these hints may help you solve the mystery. Now that you have earned your detective hat, good luck and happy sleuthing. ■ A crayfish comes out of its hole. This burrow houses a thirteen-lined ground squirrel. PHOTO BY CHRIS HELZER A red fox outside of its den. PHOTO BY JULIE GEISER An eastern mole emerging from his hole. PHOTO BY JULIE GEISER