Gopher, groundhog, mole. vole. Or bunnies. All can live underground and make holes. Sometimes multiple holes.

To address gophers, groundhogs, voles, and rabbits in a front yard ethically, consider a combination of deterrents, habitat modification, and potentially live trapping. These methods aim to discourage unwanted visits without causing harm to the animals. Ethical Methods:

• Fencing:Install physical barriers like chicken wire or hardware cloth around vulnerable plants or areas to prevent access, according to Lawn Love.
• Repellents:Use scents that deter animals, such as peppermint oil, rosemary, lavender, or castor oil,applied as granules or sprays.
• Habitat Modification:Reduce the appeal of your yard to these animals by mowing grass short, removing dense ground cover, and clearing snow from around trees to expose them to potential predators, notes Ward's Nursery & Garden Center.
• Predator Scents:Place used dog feces or cat litter in or around burrows to create the impression of a predator's presence, deterring them from settling in.
• Live Trapping:Use humane traps to capture animals, then relocate them to a suitable area away from your property.
• Ultrasonic Devices:Utilize devices that emit sounds or vibrations that are irritating to animals, but not harmful to humans or pets.
• Repellent Plants:Grow plants with strong scents or textures that are unappealing to gophers and rabbits around your garden or yard.
• Flooding/Fumigation:Consider flooding burrows to force animals to surface, according to Joshuas Pest Control.

Important Considerations:

• Patience: These methods may take time and repeated applications to be effective.
• Professional Help: If you're struggling to control the problem, consider consulting with a local pest control company for advice and assistance.
• Local Regulations: Be aware of any local ordinances or regulations regarding animal control and pest management in Albany, NY. Google AI overview

What kind of hole? I have holes about the width of a chipmunk and see chipmunks popping up from them. I have squirrels that dig small shallow holes and are attracted to fresh dirt --- which means if you cover a hole up with dirt, they will dig there the next day. Dog doo is a good squirrel deterrent.