Gophers are burrowing rodents. This article describes their physical characteristics, from their general body structure to their specialized features.
Their General Appearance
Gophers possess a stocky, cylindrical body shape. They typically have a short, thick neck and short, powerful limbs. Their overall body length, excluding the tail, generally ranges from 5 to 14 inches, with their weight varying from about 0.5 to 2.2 pounds, depending on the species.
Their fur is usually short and coarse. Common fur colors include various shades of brown, gray, or black, which often help them blend into the surrounding soil and environment. This coloration can vary slightly even within the same species, adapting to local soil types and providing camouflage.
Unique Physical Traits
One of the most distinguishing features of a gopher is its prominent incisor teeth. These large, ever-growing teeth are often visible even when the gopher’s mouth is closed, as they protrude from the lips. Gophers can close their lips behind these incisors, which prevents dirt from entering their mouths while they dig. These robust incisors are primarily used for gnawing through roots and loosening soil, aiding in their burrowing activities.
Another unique characteristic is their large, external, fur-lined cheek pouches. These “pockets” are located on the outside of their mouths and extend back to their shoulders, serving as specialized carrying bags. Gophers use these pouches for transporting food and nesting materials back to their burrows. They can even turn these fur-lined pouches inside out for cleaning.
Their forelimbs are strong and equipped with long, sharp claws, which are primary tools for digging intricate tunnel systems. These powerful claws allow gophers to excavate soil efficiently. In contrast to their robust forelimbs, their eyes and ears are relatively small, a common adaptation for animals living predominantly underground. Their short, sparsely haired tail also serves a purpose, acting as a sensitive organ to help them navigate backwards in their tunnels.
Differences Across Species
While the general description applies broadly, the term “gopher” encompasses several different species. There are approximately 38 to 41 known species of gophers, distributed across seven genera. These species share core physical traits but can differ in specific details.
Differences among species can manifest in overall body size, with some species being noticeably larger or smaller than others. Fur coloration can also show subtle variations, ranging from lighter sandy tones to darker, almost black hues, often reflecting the specific soil types in their habitats. Despite these variations, the fundamental adaptations for a burrowing lifestyle, such as the prominent incisors and external cheek pouches, remain consistent across most gopher species.