Popularly referred to as gophers, pocket gophers are burrowing rodents of the family Geomyidae. These medium-sized rodents with fur-lined cheek pouches are famous for extensive tunneling and gopher mounds that they push to the surface. There are approximately 35 species of gophers, and they can be found throughout North and Central America.
Gophers are known to be extremely territorial and will fight fiercely to defend their burrows. Male and female gophers live in separate burrows, but their territories often overlap.
Aside from this, there are more interesting stories about their territory, range, and tunnel. Let’s dig in!
How far do gophers travel?
Gophers are known to travel several feet from their burrow in search of food. They have sometimes been known to travel up to 12 miles per day! Interestingly, gopher tunnels often intersect with those of other gophers. This allows them to communicate with each other and share resources. It also helps them to defend their territory from intruders.
Where do usually gophers roam?
Interestingly, gophers have very poor eyesight and rely heavily on their sense of touch to navigate. As a result, they are not particularly afraid of predators and will often continue to forage even when they are being attacked.
Gophers are also excellent swimmers known to cross rivers to reach new territories. All this travel can take a toll on a gopher, so they will often return to the safety of their burrows to rest and recuperate.
Gophers Range
Gophers range from southern Canada to northern Mexico and can be found as far east as the Great Plains. Gophers are also found in parts of Europe and Asia. They prefer habitats with loose soil that is easy to dig.
The typical gopher range is about 6 to 12 miles. They have been known to travel up to 30 miles daily, but this is rare. Some gophers will also occupy vast areas that encompass numerous states. But, some species have small populations and will inhabit a tiny state region.
Habitat
Gophers are found in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and even deserts. But, they live underground. A land with typically loose soil will be a perfect spot for their digging. A muddy, soft soil with lots of vegetation or edible plants in the surrounding would also be a preferable site. And there, they will create a maze of burrows and tunnels.
Gophers are accustomed to living alone, so they typically stay inside their burrows alone. Although they breed throughout the year, most gather during springtime or summer to mate.
Are gophers territorial?
Gophers are solitary animals. They live alone but in close proximity to other gophers. Gophers are very territorial- they will defend their patch of land from other gophers. A typical gopher territory can be as large as 2,000 square feet and contain multiple burrows. Male and female gophers live in separate burrows but may share the same general territory.
When two gophers meet, they will usually try to avoid each other. If they can’t avoid each other, they will usually fight. Gopher fights can be quite violent, and they often result in serious injuries or even death.
Gophers tunnel for foraging foods
Gophers are herbivores, meaning they eat plants to suffice their diet. They feed underground by foraging for roots, bulbs, and other plant materials. This includes crops such as potatoes, carrots, alfalfa, radishes, grasses, and turnips.
These animals store food in their cheek pouches to return to their burrows. They will also strip the bark off trees and eat the tender inner layer of the bark. This can damage young trees and shrubs. Gophers will also eat insects, snails, and other small animals.
How long can their dug-up tunnel reach?
When they dig burrows or create tunnels, they can be as deep as 6 feet underground and as long as 30 feet. The main tunnel is usually about 2 feet wide.
When they are not foraging or eating, gophers spend most of their time in their burrows. Gophers usually only come out of their burrows at night or during bad weather. This helps them to avoid predators and extreme temperatures.
Have a Gopher Problem In Your Yard? Don’t Worry and Call Us!
Your lawn or garden may be a perfect spot for a gopher’s burrowing. It may be home to edible plants or vegetables attractive to these creatures. When this happens, they disrupt the peace of your garden and hinder the growth of your perfectly nurtured vegetation.
So, if you don’t know what to do with them, we at AAAC Wildlife Removal will come to your rescue. Our team are highly-experienced and has been in the industry for decades. One thing we’re sure of is that we will solve your gopher problem in no time. Give us a call today!
Conclusion
Gophers are popular for their deep and long tunnels. They forage, eat, sleep, and live in their burrows alone as solitary animals. Although they are small animals, they are territorial and will fight other gophers to protect their patch of land.
It could be as long as 30 feet and 6 feet deep when these animals dig. It could also stumble on the other tunnels created by other pocket gopher species. Their tunnels could also reach your lawn or garden, and that’s when you know you have a gopher problem. But don’t worry, give AAAC Wildlife Removal a call, and we’ll take care of it for you! To learn more about gophers and what they look like, click here: gopher territory.
Contact us if you have concerns about gophers or any other wildlife issues on your property. Our team is experienced in wildlife management and can provide effective solutions to address the situation.
