Scientific Name:
Thomomys bottae
Description
Very small (up to 27 cm/10.6 in) rodent with brown fur, small eyes and ears, sensitive whiskers and clawed front paws for digging.
Behaviors
Strictly vegetarian, valley pocket gophers bring shoots, bulbs, and roots of various plants into their burrows, so they can eat safely away from most predators. When digging, they can close their lips behind their long front teeth to prevent dirt from getting in their mouths. Predators include eagles, hawks, bobcats, snakes, mountain lions, owls, coyotes and skunks.
Fun Facts
As its name suggests, the valley pocket gopher has small, fur-lined, external “pockets” on the sides of its face, which it uses for carrying food.
Nature Topics
Photo credit: ©Kip Evans
