Yikes! In science Armadillos are often used in the study of leprosy, since they, along with mangabey monkeys, rabbits and mice (on their footpads), are among the few known species that can contract the disease systemically. They are particularly susceptible due to their unusually low body temperature, which is hospitable to the leprosy bacterium, Mycobacterium leprae. (The leprosy bacterium is difficult to culture and armadillos have a body temperature of 34¡C (93F), similar to human skin.) Humans can acquire a leprosy infection from armadillos by handling them or consuming armadillo meat. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armadillo

Did you mean “armadilli have made their way to Atlanta”?

Thanks Guys. The extra links are a nice bonus. I’ve been away for so long, I forgot armadillo have made their way to Atlanta.

I agree with Bobby: armadillo. I can’t think of another animal that could make such a hole. See my notes here http://www.walterreeves.com/gardening-q-and-a/armadillo-control/

I would guess an armadillo burrow. Armadillos are becoming a greater problem every year in the West Georgia area. Evidence of active feeding are much smaller digs throughout the lawn and landscape. “Burrow entrances will be 8 to 10 inches across and range from 2 to 24 feet long averaging 3 to 4 feet” (http://apps.caes.uga.edu/urbanag/index.cfm?storyid=2685 ) The second picture on the following link shows one of the critters working: http://www.orlandorats.com/armadillo-burrows.htm They may occupy a home sweet home for up to 15 years. Not in your new sod I hope! I’ve met people who’ve dropped their opposition to firearms over these critters.