Classifications of Gophers

The term "gopher" is actually an umbrella term that describes many different types of rodents, not just one specific "gopher." Due to their similarities and their Order classification of rodentia, pocket gophers, ground squirrels, chipmunks and a variety of prairie dogs, the species are commonly referred to as gophers.

  1. Pocket Gopher

    • Spending most of its time underground, the pocket gopher is a burrowing rodent that lives in a large series of subterranean tunnels. The pocket gopher is 4 to 12 inches in length and generally weighs only a few hundred grams. They have brown tough fur that helps to camouflage them with the ground cover. Pocket gophers are hoarders by nature and use their deep cheek pockets to transport food to their underground homes. Pocket gophers are omnivores, which means they eat whatever is available; however, they mainly eat only small vegetables and nuts that can be gathered.

    Ground Squirrel

    • Ground squirrels are commonly referred to under the gopher umbrella because of their ability to burrow. Unlike most squirrels, ground squirrels do not climb or live in trees, although they have the ability to, rather they live in tunnels or ground brush. Like most other rodents, a ground squirrel's diet consists of most green vegetation, which for them is generally different types of wildflowers and cactus fruit. Often mistaken for chipmunks and other small rodents, ground squirrels are light beige in color and generally have long black-tipped tails. These animals will weigh only about 6 or 7 oz.

    Chipmunk

    • The chipmunk is another of the gopher-term classification of animals. It is easily distinguished from other rodents by its distinct black and white stripes that run down the back of its brown furred body. Chipmunks are only about 8 to 10 inches in length and weight only 2 to 4 oz. Like the pocket gopher, chipmunks will burrow; however, they will also live above ground in dens or low-lying logs and can generally be found anywhere that has thick vegetation, such as forests or hillsides.

    Prairie Dog

    • Five different types of Prairie Dogs exist, including, black tailed, white tailed, Utah, gunnison, and Mexican prairie dogs. These animals are the largest of the gopher class, which can range between 12 to 16 inches in length. Prairie Dogs generally can be found in the Southwestern U.S. with altitudes ranging between 2,000 and 10,000 feet above sea level. Due to the drastic changes in temperatures that can be seen here, prairie dogs burrow underground to protect themselves from extreme cold or heat. Their diets consist mainly of nuts, seeds and grass, which gives them the classification of herbivores.