What Does a Gopher Hole (Mound) Look Like?
Look for: a fan/crescent‑shaped mound of fresh, loose soil with a plugged opening (usually offset to one side). This distinguishes gophers from moles (circular, volcano‑shaped mounds) and from ground squirrels (open holes, little or no mound).
Different Mount Types:
- Gopher mounds: fan/crescent shape, plugged opening off to one side
- Mole mounds: circular, volcano shape, open hole in center
- Ground squirrel holes: open hole, little/no mound
Gopher Mounds
Shape: Gopher mounds are typically fan-shaped or crescent-shaped, not circular. This unique shape helps distinguish them from other animal burrows.
Soil: The soil in a gopher mound is loose and freshly dug. Gophers push dirt out of their tunnels, creating these mounds on the surface.
Opening: The opening to the tunnel is plugged with soil and is usually off to one side of the mound, not in the center. This plug helps protect the gopher from predators and keeps the tunnel environment stable.
Size: Mounds can be several inches high and wide. The exact size depends on the soil type and the size of the gopher.
Tip: Gopher mounds are different from mole mounds (which are circular with a central hole) and ground squirrel holes (which are open with little or no mound). Look for the fan or crescent shape and the side plug to identify gopher activity.
Details:
- Shape: fan or crescent (not circular)
- Soil: loose, freshly dug
- Opening: plugged, usually off to one side of the mound
- Size: mounds can be several inches high and wide, depending on soil type and gopher size
- Location: often near gardens, lawns, or fields where gophers forage
- Activity: fresh mounds indicate recent gopher activity; older mounds may be more compacted and less distinct
Related Gear
Gopher Probe (Find Tunnels)
Long, slender probe for locating gopher tunnels and burrows. Made of durable metal with a comfortable handle.
Victor Black Box Gopher Trap
Choker loop-style gopher trap that quickly and effectively kills nuisance gophers. Weather-resistant plastic and galvanized steel construction for outdoor durability.
Gopher Repellent (Castor Oil)
Natural castor oil-based granular repellent for outdoor use. May deter gophers from treated areas, though effectiveness varies by soil and weather conditions.
Guides
Learn more:
- Encyclopaedia Britannica—Pocket gophers
- Animal Diversity Web—family Geomyidae overview