Gophers or “Pocket Gophers”, so named because of their cheek
pouches used to carry food, are the ultimate underground
creatures. They have strong forelegs, flat heads and short
necks- perfect for digging and burrowing. Gophers are medium-
sized rodents with very soft fur that ranges in color from black
to light brown to almost white. They range in length from 5 to
14 inches. Gophers can be identified easily by the horseshoe-
shaped mounds of dirt found near the opening of their burrows.
These burrows, which are up to several hundred feet in length,
can destroy lawns and gardens. The burrows are usually built
underground at a depth of a few inches to several feet. Gophers
and moles do similar damage to lawns but volcano-shaped dirt
mounds identify mole burrows. Gophers are fairly solitary and
remain underground burrowing except to breed or raise their
young. They have usually 1-2 litters per year of 3-4 young
depending on the portion of the country they inhabit. In late
summer and early fall, the younger gophers