A small burrowing rodent.

Also called: Eastern Pocket Gopher

Native status: Native to eastern US

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 11–15 cm; tail 5–7 cm
Weight80–200 g
LifespanWild 2–3 years
OrderRodentia
FamilyGeomyidae

§ Encyclopedia

Pocket gophers, commonly referred to simply as gophers, are burrowing rodents of the family Geomyidae. The roughly 41 species are all endemic to North and Central America. They are commonly known for their extensive tunneling activities and their ability to damage farms and gardens.

Source: Wikipedia — Gopher Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Stocky brown rodent; small eyes; massive front claws; external pouches.

Similar species. Other Geomyidae species.

Voice. Generally silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Roots, tubers, bulbs.

Behavior. Eastern North American pocket gopher.

§ Range

Central US

§ Habitat

Grasslands

§ Threats

Habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the pocket gopher (eastern) is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Tolerate gopher mounds.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Society of Mammalogists
  • IUCN Red List 2016