Buzz
Discover the Contrasts in Size, Teeth, and Diet Between Gophers and Groundhogs
It’s brown, furry, and loves to dig… but hold on, that could either be a gopher or a groundhog! While they might appear similar, there are significant distinctions between gophers and groundhogs. This piece will delineate the crucial physical and behavioral disparities between the two to facilitate differentiation. And for those pondering the role of woodchucks, fear not – a woodchuck is simply an alternative moniker for a groundhog. Additionally, if you find any of these creatures constructing mounds in your vicinity, we’ll delve into effective removal methods.
Key Points to Remember
- Groundhogs, compared to gophers, exhibit greater bulk and size and possess a fuller, bushier tail.
- Gophers boast larger incisors that remain visible even when their mouths are shut, a feature absent in groundhogs.
- Gophers tend to remain within their tunnels and prefer feasting on plant roots, while groundhogs traverse aboveground in search of leafy greens.
- Gophers craft numerous distinctive, crescent-shaped mounds, whereas groundhogs typically burrow beneath structures like sheds and pathways.
Actionable Measures
Dimensions
Gophers typically exhibit a more diminutive and sleeker physique compared to groundhogs. Generally, gophers measure between 5 to 14 inches (12-35 cm) in length. Conversely, groundhogs tend to possess a more robust and wider build than gophers, with lengths ranging from about 17 to 32 inches (43-81 cm).
- While gophers boast slender bodies in contrast to groundhogs, they feature round, prominent cheek pouches, a characteristic absent in groundhogs.
Tail Structure
Groundhogs are distinguished by their bushy, densely furred tails in comparison to gophers. A simple method to discern between groundhogs and gophers is by examining their tails! Groundhogs sport squirrel-like bushy tails, longer, broader, and hairier than those of gophers. Gophers' tails, in contrast, possess minimal hair, often resembling the tails of mice or rats.
Foot Characteristics
Gophers feature pink-colored feet whereas groundhogs' feet exhibit shades of dark brown or black. Although subtle, this distinction can serve as a useful means of discerning between these two rodents upon closer examination. Gopher foot undersides display a soft pink hue, while groundhog feet appear in shades of brown or black.
Dental Structure
Gophers possess prominent teeth that are almost invariably visible. Both gophers and groundhogs, being rodents, possess large front teeth adapted for digging and burrowing. However, gophers typically have larger front teeth that remain visible even when their mouths are shut.
- Gophers' teeth also tend to exhibit a more yellowish hue compared to those of groundhogs.
Preferred Environment
Groundhogs inhabit forest perimeters whereas gophers favor sandy soil environments. The majority of gophers opt to construct their burrows and tunnels within the grasslands of the Great Plains. Conversely, groundhogs demonstrate a preference for burrowing at forest edges adjacent to open areas such as meadows, fields, and farms.
- Despite their habitat preferences, gophers and groundhogs are both commonly distributed across North America.
Feeding Habits
Although both are herbivorous, gophers favor roots while groundhogs have a penchant for leaves. Identifying the location of plant damage is a reliable method for distinguishing between gophers and groundhogs. Gophers predominantly consume plant roots and stems, which they typically encounter while tunneling underground. On the other hand, groundhogs primarily consume the leaves and flowers of plants, although they also enjoy fruits.
- Constructing a border fence around your plants can dissuade both gophers and groundhogs. Utilize wire fencing buried approximately 2 feet (60 cm) deep into the ground around your garden area. Additionally, ensure the fencing extends approximately 3 feet (91 cm) above ground level.
- Gophers are categorized as herbivores, although they occasionally ingest insects and beetles inadvertently while digging.
Behavior
Gophers tend to spend more time within their burrows compared to groundhogs. Gophers exhibit a preference for remaining within their tunnels, occasionally peeking out from their mounds. Consequently, sightings of gophers are less frequent, whereas groundhogs often venture away from their burrows and traverse above ground.
- While gophers seldom depart from their tunnels, groundhogs hibernate underground during winter months. If any animal activity is observed between November and February, it is likely attributed to a gopher rather than a groundhog.
Earthen Mounds
Gopher mounds are typically more conspicuous compared to those of groundhogs. Identifying gopher activity is often straightforward due to their distinctive mounds. These creatures create approximately 1 to 3 crescent-shaped mounds per day! Conversely, groundhogs typically have a single visible dirt mound serving as their primary entrance, with other tunnel entrances being more discreetly concealed.
Impact
Gophers create unsightly mounds whereas groundhogs cause structural damage. Both gophers and groundhogs pose threats to gardens, but gophers also leave behind numerous unattractive mounds as they tunnel. Groundhogs, however, primarily damage structures through their burrowing activities. They're known for burrowing beneath sheds, porches, and pathways, potentially causing structural issues.
- Gopher eradication: The most effective method to eliminate gophers involves setting traps within their tunnels. Locate the main gopher burrow by probing a fresh mound with a gopher probe. Insert the probe until you detect soil giving way, then dig into the tunnel and place the gopher trap inside. For humane gopher control, flush their tunnels with a garden hose, particularly effective for new tunnels.
- Groundhog removal: To remove groundhogs from your yard, position a wire cage trap baited with apples or carrots near their burrow entrance. Once captured, release the groundhog approximately 5 miles (8 km) from your property or dispose of it humanely.
Taxonomy
Gophers and groundhogs belong to different rodent families. Despite their similar appearances, these two animals are not closely related! Gophers are members of the Geomyidae family, which also includes certain species of rats. Conversely, groundhogs fall under the Sciuridae family, making them a type of marmot and a variation of squirrel.
Life Expectancy
Groundhogs generally outlive gophers. The typical lifespan for groundhogs ranges from 2 to 3 years, although they can survive for more than a decade in captivity. While gophers' lifespans are not significantly shorter than those of groundhogs, they typically live for about 1 to 2 years.
