What are the differences between moles, voles, and shrews?

• <div><p>Moles live underground and feed on insects. They dig and move through tunnels, usually in meadows or forests but sometimes in lawns and gardens. They are about 6 inches long with large claws, tiny eyes, and hidden ears. </p><p>Shrews do not dig their own tunnels but will use other animals’ tunnels, and are about 3 to 4 inches long. They look similar to mice and feed on insects.</p><p>Voles are similar in size to moles but have large eyes and small but visible ears. Rather than eating insects, voles are herbivores that prefer seeds, grasses, and plant roots.</p></div>

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Q: Will skunks leave on their own?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s possible that skunks will leave on their own. Skunks may appear briefly on your property and move on if they cannot find food. However, waiting them out is not a foolproof solution. If the skunk finds a food source on or near your property and builds a nest, the animal will almost certainly not choose to move. If you can eliminate food sources, you&rsquo;ll have a better chance of seeing the skunk leave on its own. </p></div>

Q: Are groundhogs dangerous to have near your house?

• <div><p>Groundhogs are definitely cute, but it&rsquo;s usually not a good idea to have them living in your yard. Not only can groundhogs tear up your grass and create unsightly holes and burrows, but they can also carry infectious diseases that are dangerous to humans.</p></div>

Q: When are foxes most active?

• <div><p>Foxes are primarily nocturnal, meaning you&rsquo;re less likely to see one strutting onto your lawn in the middle of the day. However, daytime activity is more common if you have a female with her cubs on your property during the spring and summer. And you can see adaptable urban foxes at any time when regular food is available.</p></div>

Q: In what states do armadillos live?

• <div><p>The nine-banded armadillo is common in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Mississippi. Their range has expanded over the years, and they now live as far north as Missouri, Kansas, and even southern parts of Nebraska. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Animal Removal pros in La Plata, NM

*The Angi rating for Animal Removal companies in La Plata, NM is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Animal Removal needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Animal Removal companies in La Plata, NM is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Animal Removal needs.

Last update on April 28, 2026

Reviewed in April 2026
I recently hired Desert Bro?s Junk Removal and couldn?t be more impressed with the experience. From the first message to the final haul, they were professional, responsive, and genuinely respectful of my time and property.
Desert Bros Junk Removal
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Reviewed in July 2020
I hired Kameron and his team to cut down and remove a huge cottonwood tree that was located on side of a steep hill behind my house. This was no ordinary tree removal job. Several other tree cutting services would not give me a quote because of the difficulty of the tree removal. I cannot say...
Colorado Cut Tree Service
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Reviewed in June 2017
The work was completed in two and a half days. The clean up well done. The only thing I would want an improvement in was providing a complete material list with costs of each item. It was an insurance job so they used their estimate. The removal was quickly and clearly completed.
Magic Roofing & Construction Co Inc
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Reviewed in May 2015
<p>First visit was to look at the tree and showed me my problem was wood borer beetles. Was very knowledgeable and helpful. Recommended removal of the tree. Gave me a quote on the spot for removing the tree and we made an appointment to have the work done.</p> <p>Arrived on time to perform...
Riverside Arborist
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Reviewed in June 2014
Mr. Winn came recommended by not only the reviews here, but by the trades dept at San Juan College. So when I had to wait over a month to get his help, I was happy to wait to have a good job done. <br /> His men were nice enough, and were here when they said they would be. Mr. Winn...
Winns Home Improvement LLC
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Reviewed in November 2013
<p> Valencia was pleasant, efficient, and did the job when and how they said they would. They also brought big rugs to protect the carpet where they went in and out of the crawl space. They vacuumed the area after removing the rugs when they were finished. They were excellent. The only...
VALENCIA INSULATION
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Terminix® Pest Control

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Animal Removal questions, answered by experts

It’s possible that skunks will leave on their own. Skunks may appear briefly on your property and move on if they cannot find food. However, waiting them out is not a foolproof solution. If the skunk finds a food source on or near your property and builds a nest, the animal will almost certainly not choose to move. If you can eliminate food sources, you’ll have a better chance of seeing the skunk leave on its own.

Moles live underground and feed on insects. They dig and move through tunnels, usually in meadows or forests but sometimes in lawns and gardens. They are about 6 inches long with large claws, tiny eyes, and hidden ears.

Shrews do not dig their own tunnels but will use other animals’ tunnels, and are about 3 to 4 inches long. They look similar to mice and feed on insects.

Voles are similar in size to moles but have large eyes and small but visible ears. Rather than eating insects, voles are herbivores that prefer seeds, grasses, and plant roots.

Groundhogs are definitely cute, but it’s usually not a good idea to have them living in your yard. Not only can groundhogs tear up your grass and create unsightly holes and burrows, but they can also carry infectious diseases that are dangerous to humans.

Foxes are primarily nocturnal, meaning you’re less likely to see one strutting onto your lawn in the middle of the day. However, daytime activity is more common if you have a female with her cubs on your property during the spring and summer. And you can see adaptable urban foxes at any time when regular food is available.

The nine-banded armadillo is common in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Mississippi. Their range has expanded over the years, and they now live as far north as Missouri, Kansas, and even southern parts of Nebraska.

The La Plata, NM homeowners’ guide to animal removal services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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