 GOPHER
Other Names: Salamander derived from nickname, “sandy mounder”
The gopher lives most of its life beneath the surface where it digs a burrow system. A gopher can create large, horseshoe-shaped mounds that may cause damage to passing farm equipment. Additionally, its tunnels often interfere with irrigation systems, dams, fields, and homeowners' gardens. | | Description of the Gopher Color: | Black to pale brown | Weight: | 6 to 14 ounces | Length: | 5-14 inches | Tail Length: | 4 inches | Body: | Powerfully built in the forequarters; fine, soft furl; short neck; small, flattened head; front feet with long, sharp claws | Ears: | Small | Eyes: | Small external | Lifespan: | 1-3 years on average |
Reproduction of the Gopher
Litter Size: | 3-4 per litter | No. of Litters: | 1-2 litters per year | Sexual Maturity: | 6-12 months | Gestation Period: | 18-19 days | Breeding Season: | Outdoors: Spring | Diet of the Gopher Daily Amount: | 60% of its bodyweight each day | | Daily Water: | Utilizes moisture in food | Daily Food: | Trees, roots, bulbs, grass, alfalfa, dandelions
| Habitat of the Gopher Geography: | Western Hemisphere - the US | Nest Location: | Outdoors: Main runways are located in underground tunnels up to 18 inches below the surface; nest chambers are up to 5 or 6 feet below surface; attracted to light-textured soils with vegetation production | Home Range: | Up to 700 yards
| Active Periods: | Night and day | | |
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