What Does Gopher Poop Look Like?
Most people never see gopher droppings because pocket gophers spend nearly all their lives underground. Their tunnels are tightly sealed, and waste is left in special latrine chambers below the surface. On the rare occasion droppings are found above ground, they appear as small, dark, cylindrical pellets—much like those of other plant-eating rodents.
Quick summary:
- Rarely seen above ground due to subterranean lifestyle and sealed tunnels
- If found, look for small, dark cylindrical pellets
- Focus on mounds for signs of activity rather than droppings
Pocket gophers are subterranean and keep their tunnels sealed, so their droppings are typically left underground in latrine areas—meaning you rarely see them on the surface. If you do encounter them near an opening, expect small, dark cylindrical pellets (similar to other herbivorous rodents).
Focus surface ID on mounds, not droppings—mounds are the most reliable, visible sign of activity.
Related Gear
Cleanup Kit (Disinfectant)
Disinfectant wipes for safe cleaning of gopher-related messes.
Gopher Pincer Trap
Effective gopher trap for efficient gopher control. Easy to set and durable for outdoor use.
Recommended reading:
- UC IPM Pocket Gophers (mounds & sealed burrows)
- University of Nevada Extension overview