Pocket gophers, known for their distinctive appearance, are fascinating creatures that inhabit various regions. These medium-sized rodents typically measure between 5 and 14 inches in length and weigh about a pound when fully grown. Their brownish fur blends seamlessly with their natural surroundings, allowing them to remain camouflaged.

One of the most intriguing features of pocket gophers is the pocket-like pouches in their cheeks, from which they derive their name. These specialized cheek pouches serve a practical purpose - they enable gophers to carry food and nesting materials as they burrow through the soil.

Gophers thrive in areas with loose, sandy soil, as it allows them to easily dig and construct their intricate tunnel systems. This type of soil provides the perfect conditions for them to create extensive networks of burrows, complete with multiple chambers for nesting and storage.

Interestingly, gophers also prefer habitats where there is ample plant growth. The surrounding vegetation not only acts as a source of food but also provides cover and protection from predators. This makes lawns and crop fields particularly attractive nesting sites for these pests.

The tunneling activity of gophers frequently leads the pests to invade agricultural fields, gardens, and residential lawns. They feed on various plants, roots, shrubs, and trees. The most heavily infested areas can have a population density of 60 gophers or more per acre.

Even though pocket gophers spend most of their time underground and out of sight, the damage they leave behind is highly visible and displeasing to the eye. Their extensive burrowing and tunneling can ruin lawns, while their feeding habits can result in the destruction of gardens and flowerbeds. Gophers also excavate mounds of soil when they burrow, which then become eyesores scattered around the yard. The pests sometimes damage water lines and sprinkler systems with their digging and gnawing, and their tunnels can disrupt the flow of irrigation water, which results in soil erosion.