Animal hole at base harmful to tree?

Keosauqua, IA

I guess it could be squirrel or rabbit? not sure but have a hole at base of large black walnut that has been dying from the top down over the last 6 years. I've been having the deadwood cut out of the top and each year it comes back with a crop of walnuts. My concern is the tree could be rotting inside and will be blown down in a strong storm. Anyone have experience with critter damage at base of mature tree?

Cleveland,GA/Atlanta, GA(Zone 7b)

Yes, I had a similar situation last year. The root system is also dying and animals take advantage of those natural tunnels to create entrances and exits. In my case a groundhog moved in and spent the summer decimating the adjoining vegetable garden. The tree was so large that the upper canopy held the trunk well above ground. It took five men, a crane and a backhoe two days to clear it from a hillside.

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