How deep are rabbit holes?

Have you ever walked through your Phoenix yard and noticed a small, round hole surrounded by scattered dirt? Chances are, you’ve stumbled upon a rabbit burrow. While they might look like cute backyard visitors, rabbits are more than just furry guests—they’re diggers. And their tunnels can go deeper than you’d expect, creating hidden risks beneath your lawn, garden beds, and even concrete slabs.

In Phoenix’s dry climate, rabbits like the desert cottontail adapt their digging habits to the terrain, carving out intricate burrows for shelter and nesting. These holes can quickly multiply if left unchecked, damaging landscaping and attracting other wildlife looking for a ready-made den. Understanding how deep rabbit holes can get isn’t just a fun trivia fact—it’s an important step in protecting your property.

How Deep Are Rabbit Holes?

Rabbit holes might look shallow at first glance, but they’re often just the tip of a much deeper tunnel system. Most entrance holes range from 6 to 10 inches in diameter and can descend as far as 12 to 18 inches before branching out into horizontal tunnels. In Phoenix, where the ground can be sandy or compacted, rabbits may not dig as deep as they would in softer soil, but their burrows can still reach depths of up to 3 feet depending on the environment and rabbit activity.

These underground networks aren’t random. They often include a nesting chamber where rabbits raise their young, along with emergency exits and escape routes. In some cases, multiple rabbits may expand a single burrow over time, creating a complex system that compromises the soil underneath lawns, sheds, and patios. Left alone, a small rabbit hole can quickly become a sprawling, unseen hazard under your property.

Do Rabbits in Arizona Dig the Same Way as Elsewhere?

Arizona’s native rabbits, like the desert cottontail, are just as determined to dig as their relatives in other parts of the country—but they’ve got a few tricks to deal with the region’s dry, compact soil. Unlike eastern cottontails that prefer softer, loamy environments, desert cottontails are known to choose shaded areas with loose sand or debris to make digging easier. You’ll often find their burrows near bushes, under decks, or around sheds where moisture softens the ground.

Because of Phoenix’s arid conditions, these rabbits tend to dig shorter, shallower tunnels compared to their out-of-state cousins. Instead of deep dens, they may rely more on surface cover for safety and dig only as much as they need for shelter or nesting. That said, don’t be fooled—these smaller systems can still cause big problems if they’re left undisturbed.

Why Rabbit Burrows Can Be a Problem

Rabbit tunnels might look innocent, but they can lead to serious headaches for Phoenix homeowners. Here’s why these holes are more than just a backyard nuisance:

• Soil Erosion and Landscape Damage
  Their digging weakens the ground, leading to soft spots, sinkholes, and collapsing soil around garden beds, trees, or fences.
• Structural Risk Near Foundations
  Burrows close to patios, decks, or sheds can cause cracks or shifting in paved areas and even compromise structural stability over time.
• Hidden Invite for Other Pests
  Once rabbits leave a burrow, it often becomes home to snakes, rats, or insects—turning a rabbit issue into a full-blown pest problem.
• Rapid Burrow Expansion During Breeding Season
  One rabbit can quickly become several, and those shallow holes can multiply fast when nesting activity kicks in.

If you notice any of these signs on your property, it’s best to take action quickly before the problem literally digs in deeper.

How to Identify Rabbit Holes in Your Yard

Not every hole in your yard belongs to a rabbit, so knowing what to look for can save you time and stress. Rabbit burrows typically have a neat, round entrance about 6 to 10 inches wide, often surrounded by loose dirt that’s been pushed aside. Unlike messy diggers like armadillos or gophers, rabbits are relatively tidy—there’s usually one clear hole rather than multiple scattered ones.

Look closely near bushes, decks, or shaded corners of your property, especially in the early morning or evening when rabbits are most active. You might spot tufts of fur, tiny footprints, or even droppings near the hole. Some burrows may be partially covered with grass or leaves to hide the entrance. If you’re seeing repeated rabbit sightings and small, uniform holes, chances are you’ve got a warren starting to form.

Can You Just Fill in the Hole? (Spoiler: No)

It might be tempting to grab a shovel and fill in that rabbit hole, but that quick fix won’t solve the problem. If rabbits are still using the burrow, you risk trapping them underground, which is not only inhumane but could also violate Arizona wildlife laws. Worse, they’ll often just dig another exit nearby or return to the same spot once the fill settles.

DIY attempts rarely address the root issue: active rabbit presence. Without proper removal, they’ll keep tunneling or invite other animals to take over the burrow. In Phoenix, where dry soil can make tunnels unstable, blocked holes may even collapse unexpectedly. Professional wildlife control ensures that animals are removed safely and legally, and the burrow is sealed for good.

Professional Rabbit Removal and Burrow Control in Phoenix

When rabbit activity starts affecting your yard, calling in a professional is the smartest move. At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we specialize in humane rabbit control that goes beyond just trapping—we inspect, remove, and prevent. Our team understands the behavior of desert cottontails and how they adapt to Phoenix’s dry soil, so we can locate burrows efficiently and handle the situation with care.

Once the rabbits are safely removed, we don’t stop there. We backfill and seal the burrow to prevent re-entry and assess the area for additional tunnels or structural risks. Our approach also includes proactive exclusion and habitat modification strategies to keep your property rabbit-free in the long run. It’s full-circle protection designed for Arizona homeowners.

Why Choose AAAC Wildlife Removal in Phoenix?

We Know Arizona’s Wildlife

Phoenix isn’t just hot—it’s home to a specific set of wildlife challenges. Our team at AAAC Wildlife Removal is experienced in dealing with species like the desert cottontail, which has unique behaviors compared to rabbits in other parts of the country. We know how these animals adapt to the dry, compact soil and which parts of your yard they’re most likely to target when digging a burrow.

By understanding the regional ecology, we’re able to inspect properties more effectively and catch problems early. Whether it’s identifying fresh tunneling signs or spotting hidden nesting zones under sheds, we’ve trained our eyes to notice what others miss. This local expertise makes a huge difference when it comes to lasting removal and prevention.

We Follow Humane and Legal Practices

Arizona has clear regulations around wildlife handling, and not following them can result in legal trouble—or worse, harm to the animals. At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we always use humane removal methods approved by state and federal agencies. That means no poisons, no trapping without purpose, and absolutely no shortcuts.

Our goal is to solve the issue without disrupting the balance of your property’s ecosystem. We relocate animals when possible and ensure burrows are handled safely. You can trust that our solutions are not just effective but ethical and legal every step of the way.

We Offer Full-Service Solutions

Rabbit control isn’t just about catching the animal—it’s about solving the entire problem. We start with a full property inspection to find all active burrows, then humanely remove any rabbits and seal the tunnels to prevent future use. We also check nearby areas like sheds, porches, and fences that may be at risk.

After the removal, we offer preventative strategies customized for your yard’s layout and soil conditions. That might include habitat modification, fencing options, or behavioral deterrents designed to make your yard uninviting to future burrowers. It’s not just a service—it’s a full protection plan.

Fast, Friendly, and Professional

When rabbits are tunneling under your lawn or patio, you don’t want to wait. Our team responds quickly with punctual scheduling, clear pricing, and respectful on-site service. We treat every home like it’s our own, working cleanly and communicating every step of the process.

You’ll always know what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and how it helps you. No vague promises—just dependable results. That’s why homeowners throughout Phoenix trust AAAC Wildlife Removal to handle rabbit problems with care and confidence.

Call to Action: Take Back Your Yard Today

If you’ve spotted rabbit holes on your property, don’t wait for them to multiply or collapse beneath your feet. The longer burrows are left unchecked, the more damage they can cause—not just to your lawn, but to your home’s foundation and overall safety. These tunnels might seem small now, but they can lead to costly repairs and unwelcome guests like snakes or rodents.

AAAC Wildlife Removal is ready to help Phoenix homeowners deal with rabbit problems fast, humanely, and thoroughly. Our local expertise, full-service solutions, and trusted team are just a call away. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and keep your yard safe, solid, and rabbit-free for good.