The little squirrel-like animal that digs holes around homes is called a ground squirrel.

Ground squirrels are small rodents that belong to the squirrel family Sciuridae. They are known for their burrowing behavior and are commonly found in various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia.


These animals dig holes, known as burrows, for various purposes such as nesting, hibernating, and storing food. Burrows can be identified by the presence of a mound of dirt around the entrance and a network of tunnels beneath the ground.


Ground squirrels are excellent diggers and their burrows can have multiple entrances and chambers. These burrows provide them with protection from predators and extreme weather conditions.

One example of a ground squirrel species is the California ground squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi). These squirrels are commonly found in California and other western parts of North America. They are known for their extensive burrow systems that can have multiple entrances and chambers.

References:
Wikipedia - Ground squirrel
National Park Service - California Ground Squirrel