I found an approx 20 x 20 area of my yard has been severly burrowed. My first thought was voles but the exit holes are 1 1/2" - 2" across. This seems alittle large for voles. The tunnels all seem to go straight down 6 - 10 inches (some at a slight angle.)

Please help identify what animal this might be and how to get rid of.

Do you live in town or in a more rural area? Is there woody cover nearby or tall grass? Depending on the habitat, thirteen-lined ground squirrels or chipmunks may be digging the burrows. You can find information on removing both species here: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/wildlife/directory_show.cfm?species=groundsquirrel A permit is not needed to remove either species. If you have further questions, feel free to e-mail me at lasimmon@illinois.edu.