Pocket gophers are found in Tennessee. These burrowing rodents are common across various landscapes within the state. Their presence can often be identified by distinct signs of their activity on the surface.
Tennessee Gopher Species and Habits
Pocket gophers are medium-sized rodents, 5 to 14 inches in body length, with males generally larger than females. Their fur color varies widely, from nearly black to pale brown or almost white, often blending with the soil color of their habitat. They have large, external, fur-lined cheek pouches used to transport food and nesting materials. Powerful forefeet with large claws and continuously growing incisor teeth enable them to efficiently dig and gnaw through soil and roots.
These animals spend most of their lives underground, creating complex networks of tunnels for protection, living spaces, and food storage. Gophers are solitary creatures, with each individual inhabiting its own tunnel system, except during the brief mating season. They are active year-round and do not hibernate.
Their diet is herbivorous, consisting mainly of roots, tubers, and bulbs, which they pull into their burrows. They may occasionally venture to the surface for leaves or stems, pulling entire plants into their tunnels. Gophers favor habitats with loose, sandy, or well-drained soil, which allows for easier tunneling and access to food sources.
Recognizing and Addressing Gopher Activity
The most noticeable sign of gopher activity is their characteristic soil mounds on the surface. These mounds are fan-shaped or crescent-shaped, with a visible dirt plug at one end. This distinctive shape helps differentiate gopher mounds from the more symmetrical, volcano-shaped molehills, which usually lack a central plug. Gophers can create one to three mounds per day, indicating an extensive underground network that can span hundreds of feet.
Their tunneling and feeding habits can damage gardens, lawns, and agricultural areas. Gophers consume plant roots and can pull entire plants underground, leading to wilting or death of vegetation. Beyond direct plant damage, their burrowing can also disrupt irrigation systems, undermine foundations, and create tripping hazards due to uneven ground. Addressing gopher activity involves habitat modification to make areas less appealing or consulting with wildlife control professionals for trapping or other management strategies.