Upper left, a pocket gopher digging a burrow; lower left, a closed pocket gopher burrow showing “fan” of soil pushed upward in photo, burrow “plug” is at the center; lower right, a wire type gopher trap; and, upper right, a dead pocket gopher showing “pockets” used to move soil and carry food. (Photo of pockets, Dave Powell, USDA Forest Service; and Jeff Schalau, University of Arizona — all other photos)
Upper left, a pocket gopher digging a burrow; lower left, a closed pocket gopher burrow showing “fan” of soil pushed upward in photo, burrow “plug” is at the center; lower right, a wire type gopher trap; and, upper right, a dead pocket gopher showing “pockets” used to move soil and carry food. (Photo of pockets, Dave Powell, USDA Forest Service; and Jeff Schalau, University of Arizona — all other photos)
Pocket gophers (Thomomys spp.) are beneficial to wildland ecosystems because they loosen soils increase water infiltration, transport beneficial soil microbes and are prey for other animals. Pocket gophers can also be very destructive when they venture into gardens and landscapes.
Their activity always increases during fall and spring. Young are also born in spring and, once they are a few months old, they leave their mother’s burrow system and establish their own territories. To successfully manage pocket gophers in the garden, orchard or landscape, you should learn about their behavior and quickly respond when they are approaching areas where serious damage could occur.
