What Kind of Critter will do this to pond dam

[nc redneck]

Was mowing across dam and saw this. Not sure if it is something to be concerned with or not. Location is central NC. Looked kind of like a old yellow jacket nest. I know I have a few turtles in pond but have never known for them to dig a hole like this. The people who rent property from me said they saw a muskrat in the pond have not seen it myself. Is a muskrat something to be concerned with as far as damaging the dam. If so what is the best way to get rid of them. Rifle with bounty on there heads as guy who rents from me is a firearm instructor with 2 boys who shoot a lot or traps. All input and comments welcome.
Thanks
Scott

 

[Buckgnarly]

Skunks and bears will dig out yellow jacket nests to eat them, might be that.

Muskrats will punch holes in damns, my Dad used to battle them every year. Only thing to do is use a trap on their holes, but of course only during trapping season....

 

[Western]

I would say nutra/muskrat also. They can be a PITA. I have seen where their holes have allowed water to erode a dam bank. .22 will do the job if it's safe, just have to watch out for deflection from the water

 

[murphy1244]

Its a Muskrat, Call a Trapper

 

[dave1949]

I suppose it could be two critters. The first one went after the nest, and second, maybe a groundhog, is taking up residence. I have a running battle with groundhogs in my rock walls and your hole looks about the right size for them.

I thought muskrats usually make their holes just slightly above the water line, and not so exposed, but I'm sketchy on that.

 

[nc redneck]

When 3 experienced super star members tell me to get a trapper It really grabs my attention. For the last 2 years I have noticed the edge of dam eroding or collapsing into pond. First year I thought it was because I got lazy and put round up rather than weed eating waters edge of dam 2 years ago, Did not repeat. Are these things related. Any advise on best way to get rid of a Muskrat greatly appreciated. If you see one does that mean there are several in pond ?
Thanks
Scott

 

[murphy1244]

Throw some gas in there and wait 5 minutes and toss in a paper ball that's lit.

 

[murphy1244]

Throw some gas in there and wait 5 minutes and toss in a paper ball that's lit.

You have Both a muskrat and Bees.

 

[Buckgnarly]

I suppose it could be two critters. The first one went after the nest, and second, maybe a groundhog, is taking up residence. I have a running battle with groundhogs in my rock walls and your hole looks about the right size for them.

I thought muskrats usually make their holes just slightly above the water line, and not so exposed, but I'm sketchy on that.

Only ones we ever trapped had holes at the waterline, never above like that. I'm betting the nest was dug out to eat.

OP, how far down does the hole go?

 

[nc redneck]

Buckgnarly
Thanks for serious reply. Hole does not even go to the waterline and that got my attention. We have a lot of fire-ants but not sure what there nest look like when you dig them up.
Thanks
Scott