Which organism tear up patches of sod in search of soil organisms?

• A. Squirrels, opossums, raccoons, and deer.
• B. Skunks, opossums, raccoons, and blackbirds.
• C. Skunks, opossums, rabbits, and deer.
• D. Blackbirds and raccoons only.

Answer: (B)

Foraging behavior that disturbs turf involves animals digging or probing the soil to reach soil-dwelling prey. Skunks, opossums, and raccoons routinely scratch and dig through turf in search of grubs and earthworms. Blackbirds also probe and pull at patches of sod to access worms. Together, these species explain torn patches of sod as a foraging sign.

Squirrels and deer aren’t typical turf-foragers for soil organisms—squirrels tend to dig for nuts and seeds or forage above ground, and deer browse vegetation rather than ripping turf to reach soil prey. That’s why the combination of digging mammals plus probing birds is the best fit.