Plains Pocket Gopher

Geomys bursarius

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Mammalia · Rodentia · Geomyidae

About

The plains pocket gopher is one of 35 species of pocket gophers, so named in reference to their externally located, fur-lined cheek pouches. They are burrowing animals, found in grasslands and agricultural land across the Great Plains of North America, from Manitoba to Texas. Pocket gophers are the most highly fossorial rodents found in North America.

Fun Fact

Plains pocket gophers create elaborate tunnel systems stretching up to 160 metres, and their cheek pouches are fur-lined and extend all the way back to their shoulders — used for carrying food, not soil.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Grasslands and prairies

Diet

Herbivore

Lifespan

2-5 years

Threats

Invasive Species
Urban Expansion

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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