Which mammal is known for causing damage to pastures by burrowing and creating earth mounds?

The prairie dog is widely recognized for its burrowing behavior, which significantly impacts pastureland. These social rodents create extensive underground tunnel systems that can lead to soil erosion and compaction. Their mounds, formed as they excavate soil, not only alter the terrain but also may hinder the growth of vegetation, which can reduce forage availability for livestock. The large populations of prairie dogs can lead to a high density of these mounds across a landscape, exacerbating the damage to pastures and affecting the overall health of the ecosystem.

The other animals listed do not typically cause the same level of damage to pastures through their burrowing habits. Groundhogs, although they do burrow, are generally solitary and do not create extensive mounds like prairie dogs. Turtles, being reptiles, do not burrow underground to the same extent as mammals and would not create earth mounds. Rabbits can dig and create small burrows, but their impact on pastureland is minimal compared to that of prairie dogs. Thus, the prairie dog is the mammal most associated with damaging pastures through its burrowing activities.