Pocket Gopher
Physical Features
The Botta pocket gopher is one of the most common gopher species found in Southern Arizona. These gophers reside mainly underground and are seen rarely unless coming to the surface to create a new hole or open an existing hole for channeling of air into tunnel system or to feed on leaves at base of a tree. These holes are typically no further than a body length from the plant base for easy access and quick reprieve back into their protected harborage. When seen the gopher is described as 6-10 inches long, long front teeth used for digging. They are dark gray to white in color. Small ears and eyes with large forelimbs and claws.
Life Cycle
Reach sexual maturity at one year with a life span of three years. Gophers typically produce one to three litters per year depending on if area is irrigated. The female will have 5-6 per litter. Young will stay with mother until they are about two months. At that time they will leave to live independently creating a new tunneling system.
Habits
- Diet: Omnivores feeding on roots, tubers, grass, and plants.
- Activity: Active year round in irrigated areas.
- Preferred Climate: Warm and humid environments
- Defense: Rarely leaves underground tunnel except males will leave during mating season in search of a female mate. Plug holes to block out predators from entering their extensive tunnel systems.
- Cautions: Tunneling can cause ground to concave easily when walked on which can cause injury.
- Home Invasion: Gophers can be destructive to irrigated lawns and grounds.
Helpful Hints for Control
- Reduce irrigation.
- Injecting of rodenticide using a gopher probe into tunnel system.
- Installation and monitoring of traps into tunnel system.
Interesting Fact
Tunneling systems can cover 200 – 2,000 square feet with 60 or more gophers residing in one acre. Several mounds are created per day by one gopher.
