A snake hole in a yard usually looks like a smooth, round or oval opening about ½-inch to 3-inches wide. Snakes don’t dig these holes themselves, they reuse abandoned burrows made by rodents or other animals.
Snake holes in yards often raise alarm for homeowners, but most aren’t dug by snakes at all. Instead, snakes occupy old burrows from rodents or other small animals, leaving behind openings that appear smooth and circular.
Knowing what a snake hole looks like can help you distinguish it from other animal tunnels and decide if action is needed. This article explains the typical appearance, common locations, telltale signs of activity, and when to call AAAC Wildlife Removal for safe professional help.
Appearance: Shape, Size & Edge Features
Snake holes are generally round or slightly oval openings that appear smooth and clean at the edges. Unlike rodent burrows, which often leave mounds of loose dirt around the entrance, snake-occupied holes typically lack fresh soil buildup. This smoothness comes from repeated use by animals moving in and out rather than active digging.
The size of a snake hole depends on the species and the burrow it has taken over. Most range between ½ inch and 3 inches in diameter, which is wide enough for small to medium-sized snakes to enter. Larger snakes may use bigger burrows originally dug by rabbits or groundhogs, but even these usually appear neat rather than messy.
Another key feature is how the hole leads inward. Many snake holes narrow at the entrance and then widen slightly inside, reflecting the original design by rodents. These features help snakes stay hidden and protected while they rest or hunt. Recognizing these traits makes it easier to identify potential snake activity in your yard.
Key Appearance Traits:
- Circular or Oval Shape – openings are rounded, not irregular.
- Smooth Edges – no fresh soil piles or jagged entrance marks.
- Diameter ½–3 Inches – most snake-occupied holes fall within this range.
- Narrow-to-Wide Tunnel – entrance tightens before expanding inside.
Location: Where Snake Holes Tend to Be Found
Snake holes are often located in quiet, shaded areas of a yard where there is little human or pet activity. These spots give snakes cover from predators and a sense of security while they rest or wait for prey. Holes hidden beneath vegetation or structures are especially common because they provide both shelter and camouflage.
Moisture also plays a role in where snake holes appear. Yards with water sources like ponds, birdbaths, or leaky faucets often attract frogs, insects, and rodents, which in turn attract snakes. Burrows near these areas become prime real estate for snakes searching for both food and protection.
Snakes also favor holes close to structures that provide additional cover. Foundations, porches, decks, and rock walls create stable, undisturbed environments where burrows may already exist. By settling in these areas, snakes can live unnoticed until signs of activity are spotted by homeowners.
Common Locations for Snake Holes:
- Near Foundations and Porches – shaded and undisturbed, offering long-term shelter.
- Under Woodpiles or Rock Walls – natural hiding places with stable cover.
- Close to Water Sources – ponds, birdbaths, or leaks attract prey and snakes.
- Beneath Dense Vegetation – shrubs and mulch beds hide burrow entrances.
Motion Signs Around the Hole
Snake holes can often be identified by the subtle activity around them rather than the opening itself. Slide tracks in the soil, grass pushed aside, or faint impressions on dusty surfaces may signal recent movement. These marks are typically smoother and more continuous than the scratchy footprints left by rodents.
Another reliable indicator is the presence of shed snake skin near the entrance. Snakes regularly shed as they grow, and fragments or entire casts may be left behind around their shelter. Unlike fur or nesting material, which suggests rodents, skin fragments are a strong clue of snake activity.
Droppings may also be found around active snake holes. Snake droppings are tubular, dark, and often capped with a chalky white substance made of uric acid. Finding these near a hole strongly suggests a snake has been using it as a refuge.
Motion Signs to Look For:
- Smooth Slide Tracks – winding marks in dirt, dust, or grass.
- Flattened Vegetation – grass or mulch pressed down near the entrance.
- Shed Snake Skin – partial or full casts left close to the hole.
- Distinctive Droppings – tubular with a white chalky tip, unlike rodent scat.
What To Do If You Spot a Potential Snake Hole
Discovering a possible snake hole in your yard can be unsettling, but the right response keeps both you and the animal safe. Here are the best steps to take if you think a snake is using a burrow on your property.
Observe From a Distance
The first step is to monitor the hole without getting too close. Snakes may use burrows at different times of day, so watching from afar can help you determine if it’s active. Avoid poking or disturbing the entrance, since this may provoke the animal. A calm observation approach keeps you safe while gathering useful clues.
Pro Tip: Use binoculars if the hole is in a hard-to-see area so you can check for movement without approaching.
Look for Additional Signs
Examine the surrounding area for evidence like shed skins, slide tracks, or droppings. These details confirm whether a snake is actively using the hole. Be sure to distinguish these from rodent or insect signs, which often include claw marks or loose soil. Careful observation helps avoid false assumptions and unnecessary worry.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle a thin layer of sand or flour around the hole to reveal fresh tracks without disturbing the animal.
Limit Attractants Nearby
If the hole is in a spot that attracts prey, the snake is more likely to keep returning. Remove food sources like birdseed spills, pet food, or compost that draw rodents and insects. Cleaning up these attractants reduces the chances of the snake finding your yard appealing. This step makes the environment less inviting without directly confronting the animal.
Pro Tip: Secure trash cans with tight lids to cut down on rodent activity around potential snake holes.
4. Do Not Attempt DIY Removal
Trying to flush or trap a snake yourself can be dangerous, especially if the species is venomous. Home methods like pouring chemicals or flooding holes are unsafe for you, your pets, and the environment. Disturbing the hole may also drive the snake into your house or other hiding spots. Leaving removal to professionals ensures the problem is solved safely and effectively.
Pro Tip: If you suspect a venomous snake, keep children and pets away until the area has been inspected.
5. Call AAAC Wildlife Removal
When in doubt, professional assistance is the best course of action. Trained technicians can identify the species, confirm if the hole is active, and provide humane removal. They also offer long-term solutions like habitat modification and exclusion to prevent future problems. This expert support gives homeowners peace of mind and reliable results.
Pro Tip: Schedule a professional inspection if snake holes are near high-traffic areas like porches or play spaces.
Final Insight: Identifying and Handling Snake Holes Safely
Snake holes in a yard are rarely dug by the snake itself, but their presence signals that your property provides shelter, prey, or both. Recognizing the appearance, location, and motion signs around these holes helps distinguish them from rodent or insect burrows. This knowledge allows homeowners to assess potential risks without unnecessary fear.
The best approach is a balance of observation, prevention, and professional help when needed. By removing prey attractants, limiting shelter, and avoiding DIY interference, you reduce the chances of snakes settling in your yard. With AAAC Wildlife Removal, homeowners gain expert support for safe identification and humane solutions, ensuring peace of mind while respecting local wildlife.
