Large animal hole in garden of new house (12" diam). Any idea what animal does this?

Question

This showed up on my recent home inspection. It's pretty wide, close to a tree. Seems to go deep and then veer off towards house. Seems too small for rabbits, voles, moles etc. but I could be wrong? Anyone know what animal could cause this and should I be concerned? Thanks

Answer 1

Probably a ground hog

Answer 2

ground hog without a doubt. Spread some blood meal it's a fertilizer most animals hate the smell but plants love it. Farm stores carry it and it's cheap.

Answer 3

What part of the country are you in?  Ground hogs are common in the Northeast and Central part of the US and always have multiple openings.  Blocking one hole does little good unless you block all the holes.

However, groundhogs (woodchucks) do like to burrow near trees.  Dirt will be piled just outside the hole, too.

Have you seen any tracks near the hole?  What other animals have been seen in your area?