Varmit Identification and Capture

[Hole Shooter]

Anybody got a clue what the heck I am up against? I found a hole in my flower bed between the shrubs that is about 9 to 10 inches in diameter. It is dug about 10 to 12 inches deep straight down then takes a 90 degree turn to the side. To one side is the pile of dirt that was dug out. The house lot is close to a lake and wooded area. I suspect an armadillo. The only trap I have is a live trap used to catch feral cats. Any idea what kind of bait to use?

All suggestions are appreciated!
hole shooter

 

[GunnyGene]

Too big for armadillo. They make shallow small holes about 3 or 4 inches dia. digging for grubs. Might be coon, fox or some other burrowing critter. Coon loves old bananas, or corn with a bit of molasses on it for baiting. I've caught several this year that way. If you have a game camera, set it up near there.

 

[volshooter]

Round here that would mean a groundhog. Can trap them with over ripe apples. Good luck.

 

[contender]

Well, groundhogs come to mind, but generally their holes only have a 4"-6" diameter opening. You may be right about it being an armadillo as they do dig their den holes somewhat like that. There are ways to trap them too,,, but it'll require a bit of work. Do an online search for trapping methods. If you can't find some, PM me.

 

[Jeffro57]

Muskrat.

 

[Fox Mike]

Sounds like what has been said...groundhog. I have a very similar dirt pile in my yard. If I could ONLY catch him/her in the open there would be one less roaming and digging.

 

[Hole Shooter]

Thanks, everyone. I Googled armadillo trapping as Contender advised and I think I am going to try that. And yes there will be some work involved to get that rascal to go into an unbaited trap but based upon where the den hole is located I think I can do it. Apparently it is all about trap placement. Before I do anything I think I will test the hole for activity by stuffing loose newspaper in it to see if it gets disturbed. Many thanks to all of you!!
hole shooter