The appearance of mysterious dirt mounds or damaged plant roots often leads Michigan residents to question if gophers are responsible for the underground activity. This common question stems from a widespread misconception, as the name “gopher” is often applied incorrectly to any burrowing rodent or mammal. To properly address these concerns, it is necessary to differentiate between the true animal and the other tunneling wildlife found across the state.
The Definitive Answer
The factual answer to whether true gophers live in Michigan is no. The animals commonly known as gophers are members of the family Geomyidae, formally called Pocket Gophers, and they are not native to the state. Their natural range extends across the Great Plains, reaching only as far east as western Wisconsin and the extreme western edge of Indiana. Michigan’s climate and geographical barriers, such as the Great Lakes, have prevented the establishment of resident Pocket Gopher populations.
Defining the Pocket Gopher
The Pocket Gopher is a highly specialized fossorial rodent, possessing unique features adapted for its subterranean existence. Its most distinguishing characteristic is the external, fur-lined cheek pouches, which function as pockets for transporting plant material and nesting supplies back into the burrow network.
Their physical structure is built for excavation, including powerful forelimbs equipped with large claws for digging through dense soil. They have small eyes and ears, typical for a creature that spends nearly its entire life underground. Furthermore, their lips can close behind their long, chisel-like incisor teeth, allowing them to loosen dirt without getting soil into their mouths.
Common Michigan Tunneling Animals
Since Pocket Gophers are absent, the tunneling damage seen in Michigan is caused by three other mammals, each leaving a distinct sign of its presence. Correctly identifying the culprit depends on recognizing the specific patterns of their excavation and feeding habits.
Woodchucks (Groundhogs)
Woodchucks (Groundhogs) are the largest burrowing rodents in Michigan. Their burrows are substantial, typically featuring one main entrance indicated by a large mound of excavated soil and rocks, often located near structures or under porches. These herbivores frequently venture above ground to feed on clover, dandelions, and garden vegetables, making surface feeding damage a strong indicator of their presence.
Moles
Moles are insectivores whose tunneling is focused on hunting earthworms and grubs, rather than feeding on plants. The Eastern Mole creates two distinct types of signs: conical dirt mounds and raised surface ridges that mark shallow feeding tunnels. These surface ridges often squish when stepped on because the tunnels are located just below the turf. The Star-nosed Mole, another species found in Michigan, often pushes up small, irregular mounds of soil to create air vents for its deeper tunnels.
Voles
Voles are small rodents with a stocky body and a short tail, often mistaken for mice, and they are responsible for significant damage to plant roots and bulbs. Their tunnels are much smaller and are characterized by numerous dime-sized burrow entrances in the grass, often hidden under mulch or dense vegetation. Voles also create distinct surface runways, which are narrow, visible paths of flattened grass where they travel between burrow openings.