What the hell is digging holes in my driveway?

busin...@nomail.com

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May 1, 2007, 12:20:23 AM5/1/07

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I have a long gravel driveway. About 2 weeks ago, something dug a
round hole about 10 inches around and left a giant pile of dirt on the
surface. I took a large rock about the same size as the hole and
dropped it into the hole. Then I shovelled the dirt back into the
hole. We had several rains since, and I topped off the sinking soil
in the hole (so a horse wont break a leg in there, when we ride). I
thought the problem was solved. Today I found the hole was dug out
again, and that rather large and heavy rock was also laying on top of
the driveway. What the hell kind of animal is capable to tossing a
10" heavy rock out of a hole from a depth of around 18 inches? I can
not believe any animal could life that rock?

I just dropped the rock and shovelled in all the dirt again. If this
happens again, I am going to stuff lots of bailing twine in the hole
and pour drain oil on it, and smoke the critter out (I hope).

I cant believe any animal can life a 10" rock from a depth of 18", but
it surely is not the work of a person.....

What the hell is it?

Ann

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May 1, 2007, 1:00:55 AM5/1/07

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On Mon, 30 Apr 2007 23:20:23 -0500, businessman wrote:

> I have a long gravel driveway. About 2 weeks ago, something dug a
> round hole about 10 inches around and left a giant pile of dirt on the
> surface. I took a large rock about the same size as the hole and
> dropped it into the hole. Then I shovelled the dirt back into the
> hole. We had several rains since, and I topped off the sinking soil
> in the hole (so a horse wont break a leg in there, when we ride). I
> thought the problem was solved. Today I found the hole was dug out
> again, and that rather large and heavy rock was also laying on top of
> the driveway. What the hell kind of animal is capable to tossing a
> 10" heavy rock out of a hole from a depth of around 18 inches? I can
> not believe any animal could life that rock?

A bear could lift the rock. But I don't think it's likely a bear dug
the hole ... here, a woodchuck would be the likely culprit. Bear will flip
rocks over to get to grubs and other insects.

busin...@nomail.com

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May 1, 2007, 1:15:43 AM5/1/07

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I dont think it's a bear. I never heard of them around here, and I
doubt they would fit into a 10" hole.

I initally suspected either a woodchuck or a badger, but I find it
hard to believe that either of them could lift a 25 to 30lb rock.
Maybe I am wrong, but that's like a person lifting a 200lb rock (our
own weight or slightly more). Then too, I chose a rock that nearly fit
the hole tightly, and yet it was lifted out of the hole without
digging around it, and I have to consider there was a foot of dirt on
top of the rock too.

Thanks

Grizzly

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May 1, 2007, 1:20:39 AM5/1/07

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Woodchuck, badger or coon...I'd place my bets on badger or coon though

Larry Caldwell

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May 1, 2007, 9:47:53 AM5/1/07

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In article <nuid33lobs2sthif2...@4ax.com>,
busin...@nomail.com (busin...@nomail.com) says...

> I initally suspected either a woodchuck or a badger, but I find it
> hard to believe that either of them could lift a 25 to 30lb rock.

That would be nothing for a badger. Badgers are immensely strong, and
BTW, can be very dangerous. However, they normally inhabit stream
banks, and avoid human contact. A driveway is a very surprising place
to find one.

If there are any children in the area, they should be warned to stay
away, and you need to carry a gun for safety when you are messing with
the hole. The claws that dug through that driveway can do a number on
your leg, and badgers can move faster than you would believe.

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