May 24, 2025
Some animals are natural engineers, digging deep and complex tunnels for food, safety, or shelter. From tiny worms to powerful mammals, meet 10 expert tunnel diggers of the animal kingdom.
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Moles are iconic diggers. With powerful forelimbs and sharp claws, they can tunnel up to 18 feet an hour, creating intricate underground networks for food and shelter.
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These bizarre rodents live in massive colonies and dig complex tunnel systems beneath East African deserts. Their teeth are outside their lips, helping them dig without eating dirt.
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Though small, earthworms play a huge role in soil health. They dig deep burrows, aerating the ground and helping plants grow by improving nutrient circulation.
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Prairie dogs dig elaborate underground towns with separate rooms and exits. These tunnels can stretch over 30 meters and house entire social colonies.
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Armadillos use their claws to dig burrows up to 15 feet long. These dens protect them from predators and extreme temperatures in their native American habitats.
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Found in the Sahara, the fennec fox digs deep burrows to escape the desert heat. Their dens can be over 10 feet deep with multiple chambers.
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Badgers are strong diggers that construct “setts," large underground homes with multiple tunnels and sleeping chambers, often used by generations.
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Aardvarks dig fast and deep to hunt termites. Their burrows can be up to 40 feet long and are often reused by other animals after abandonment.
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Rabbits dig burrow systems called warrens. These tunnels help them avoid predators and provide cool, dark places to raise their young.
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Pocket gophers are champion diggers, capable of moving tons of soil in a year. Their tunnels can be up to 200 meters long, with food storage rooms!
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