What Does a Gopher Look Like?
Quick ID
- Stout body (cylindrical, digging-adapted)
- Fur‑lined cheek Pouches (external openings)
- Large yellow incisors (often visible)
- Small eyes/ears (adapted for underground life)
- Short
- Sparsely‑haired tail (1–4 inches)
- Size: most common species 6–10 inches (head + body)
- Weight varies by species
- Colors vary (tan to dark brown) and often match local soils
Summary
Pocket gophers are stout, burrowing rodents with several distinctive features that make them well-adapted for a subterranean lifestyle. They have fur-lined cheek pouches used for carrying food, large yellow-orange incisors that are often visible even when their mouths are closed, and small eyes and ears that are reduced in size to suit their underground habitat. Their tails are short and sparsely haired, typically measuring between 1 to 4 inches in length. Most common species of pocket gophers measure between 6 to 10 inches in length (head + body), though size and weight can vary depending on the species. Their fur color also varies, ranging from tan to dark brown, often matching the color of the local soil.
Details
- Body: stout, cylindrical, well‑adapted for digging
- Cheek Pouches: fur-lined, external openings on sides of mouth, used for carrying food
- Incisors: large, yellow-orange, ever-growing, often visible even when mouth is closed
- Eyes/Ears: small, reduced, adapted for a subterranean lifestyle
- Tail: short (1–4 inches), sparsely haired, used for balance and communication
- Fur Color: varies by species and habitat; typically tan, brown, or gray, often matching local soil color
- Size: most common species are 6–10 inches long (head + body); weight varies by species
- Legs/Feet: strong forelimbs with large claws for digging; hind feet smaller but also adapted for burrowing
- Habitat: primarily subterranean, creating extensive tunnel systems
Related Products
Gopher Trap
Effective gopher trap for humane and efficient gopher control. Easy to set and durable for outdoor use.
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.
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.