Burrowing animals are creatures that live in burrows—tunnels or chambers they dig in the ground. They can be found in deserts, forests, grasslands, and even urban areas. Common examples include rabbits, squirrels, gophers, prairie dogs, groundhogs, armadillos, kangaroos, wombats, badgers, and foxes.
These animals use their burrows for protection from predators, shelter from the elements, food storage, and raising young. Some species, such as rabbits and gophers, create extensive burrow systems that can cover several acres.
Burrowing animals play an important role in the environment. They aerate the soil, improving drainage and plant growth, and they help disperse seeds. They also serve as a food source for predators such as snakes, coyotes, and owls.