Ground Disturbances

Question

In early fall we began to see large mounds of earth appearing at the inner an outer corners of our garden boxes. As the attached photos show, the damage caused by the unknown source even resulted in the removal of boards and hardware. We are in a suburban setting and have no interaction with larger woodland animals. Do you have any idea what might cause this kind of disturbance?

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Answer 1

Looks like the work of an underground dweller who wanted to tunnel under the garden bed. Look for any tracks, scat, or other information that might help you identify the critter. Moles, gophers, and voles are underground diggers. Do you see an entrance hole or just dirt?

These articles should help:

https://today.oregonstate.edu/news/moles-voles-and-gophers-dig-garden

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/whos_that_digging_in_my_yard_skunks_raccoons_or_moles

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW369

https://henderson.ces.ncsu.edu/2020/07/holes-in-the-yard/

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/get-rid-groundhogs.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/trends/what-kind-of-damage-can-chipmunks-cause

https://www.ontario.ca/page/preventing-and-managing-conflicts-small-animals