Corps of Engineers to Remove Nuisance Wildlife from Lewiston Levee

Burrowing rodents pose risk to structural integrity of flood control infrastructure

Mar. 24, 2026 at 11:24pm

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is initiating 'control measures' to remove burrowing rodents from the Lewiston Levee in Idaho. This is a standard part of routine levee maintenance to ensure the ongoing safety and structural integrity of the flood control infrastructure, as the tunneling activities of animals like rock chucks can compromise the levee.

Why it matters

Maintaining the structural integrity of flood control levees is critical for protecting nearby communities from potential flooding. The Corps is taking proactive steps to address any issues caused by burrowing wildlife that could undermine the levee's ability to withstand high water levels.

The details

According to the Corps, the wildlife control work will be conducted during periods of low public visitation and will be supervised by trained wildlife specialists. The goal is to eliminate any tunnels or burrows created by burrowing rodents that could jeopardize the levee's stability.

  • The wildlife control measures are starting immediately.

The players

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The federal agency responsible for the construction and maintenance of flood control infrastructure like the Lewiston Levee.

Rock chucks

Also known as yellow-bellied marmots, these burrowing rodents are a common nuisance species that can undermine the structural integrity of levees through their tunneling activities.

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The takeaway

Proactive maintenance and wildlife control measures are essential for ensuring the long-term reliability and safety of critical flood protection infrastructure like the Lewiston Levee.