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If they find a hospitable spot with shelter, water, and a steady food source, there’s a good chance groundhogs will return—or not leave at all.

You know if you have a skunk hole if you can smell the skunk’s musk. Skunks have a strong odor even when they aren’t spraying due to threats, and you may smell it coming from under a building or another hiding spot, such as a shrub or wood pile. They may also dig shallow holes around a lawn in search of food.

It can be difficult to know what type of animal is in your attic until you see it. But several clues can help you narrow down the suspects:

• Sounds: Smaller animals like rats and mice make scurrying and tapping/gnawing sounds. Larger animals like raccoons and opossums make louder clambering noises. Also, note when animals are noisy: Squirrels are active during the day, while rats are busiest at night.

• Droppings: Rats and mice leave small, rice-shaped droppings (the rat’s version is significantly larger). Bigger droppings belong to larger critters like raccoons. As long as you’re not squeamish, an image search can help you identify what you’re seeing in your attic.

When in doubt, take photos of damage or other evidence and show them to an experienced pest control pro.

Raccoons are more social than badgers. Badgers are solitary creatures, with the exceptions being mating season and rearing their young. Raccoons are more adaptable and often found in groups, especially in urban areas. Raccoons form loose social structures and frequently forage together and share dens. This social behavior helps them thrive in diverse environments, from forests to cities.