Gopher Facts & Information

What do gophers look like?

Gophers, also known as pocket gophers, are small, burrowing rodents typically 5-14 inches long, depending on the species. They have stocky bodies, short necks, and powerful forelimbs equipped with long claws for digging. Their fur is usually brown or gray, blending with the soil, and they have small eyes and ears. Gophers are easily recognized by their large, external cheek pouches, or “pockets,” used for carrying food.

What do gophers eat?

Gophers are herbivores, feeding primarily on plant roots, tubers, and bulbs. They also consume grasses, shrubs, and occasionally flowers. Their favorite foods often come from underground, where they dig complex tunnel systems to find roots and other plant material. Gophers store food in their cheek pouches and hoard it in their underground burrows.

What sort of habitat do gophers live in?

Gophers prefer loose, sandy soil that is easy to dig, and they are commonly found in grasslands, fields, meadows, and gardens. Their habitat is largely subterranean, with an intricate network of tunnels that can stretch for hundreds of feet. These tunnels serve as their home and feeding ground, with mounds of dirt often visible above ground where they have been digging.

How do gophers commonly behave?

Gophers are solitary and territorial animals. They spend most of their time underground, rarely venturing to the surface. They are known for their extensive burrowing, which can damage lawns, gardens, and crops. Gophers can be aggressive if threatened, but they generally avoid contact with humans. They create distinctive mounds of soil, which are often the first sign of their presence in an area.

Did you know this about gophers?

Gophers have large incisors that grow continuously, allowing them to chew through roots and other underground plant material with ease. Their cheek pouches are fur-lined and extend to their shoulders, allowing them to carry large amounts of food back to their burrows. Despite being pests to gardeners and farmers, gophers play an important role in aerating soil and helping with plant regeneration by mixing nutrients as they dig.