Pocket Gopher

Description:

This species is medium-sized, with males reaching a length of approximately 25–26 centimetres (9.8–10 in) and a weight of 160–250 grams (5.6–8.8 oz), and females averaging about 22 centimetres (8.7 in) in length and a weight of 120–200 grams (4.2–7.1 oz). This species is highly adaptable, burrowing into a very diverse array of soils from loose sands to tightly packed clays, and from arid deserts to high altitude meadows. It is strictly herbivorous, and will often pull plants into the ground by the roots to consume them in the safety of its burrow, where it spends 90% of its life. The burrows of this species may reach lengths of more than 150 m, and only extend above ground in times of snowfall. Traces of these aboveground burrows are sometimes called "gopher eskers."

Notes:

Pocket gophers wreak havoc on gardens. It's good to have a barn owl living nearby, or some outdoor cats to hunt these cute little pests.