Species · GBIF taxon 2439385
Thomomys bottae
thomomys bottaeAlso known as Valley Pocket Gopher, Botta Gopher
Botta's pocket gophers are industrious underground architects that shape the western North American landscape through relentless burrowing. They use highly specialized, chisel-like incisors and clawed front paws to excavate extensive tunnel systems, closing their lips behind their teeth to keep dirt out of their mouths. These solitary rodents rarely venture above ground, relying on external, fur-lined cheek pouches to transport gathered roots, tubers, and plant stems back to deep nesting chambers.
FossorialBurrowingSolitary
Licensed referenceChuck Abbe / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Dandelion Roots
- Alfalfa
- Grasses
Predators
- Barn Owl
- Gopher Snake
- Coyote
ThreatsHabitat destruction, rodenticides, and soil compaction
HabitatsGrasslands, agricultural fields, chaparral, and open woodlands
Life span3 to 5 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderRodentia
- FamilyGeomyidae
- GenusThomomys
- Speciesthomomys bottae
Native
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of delivering a painful bite with sharp incisors if handled; observe from a safe distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Equipped with powerful, continuously growing incisors that can deliver a severe bite if cornered or handled.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for fan-shaped dirt mounds with plugged entry holes in lawns, fields, or gardens.
- What to do
- Never attempt to capture or handle a wild gopher; contact local wildlife services if removal is necessary.
Responsible observation
- Look for Mounds: Identify their presence by crescent-shaped or fan-shaped dirt mounds with plugged exit holes.
- Keep Distance: Avoid reaching into active burrow openings to prevent defensive bites from territorial residents.
- Appreciate Soil Aeration: Value their digging activity for mixing nutrients and improving water penetration in local soils.
Predator (c) Adrianh M. Orozco, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Adrianh M. Orozco · cc-by
Predator (c) caroline legg, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative Wikimedia Commons / Public domain · cc0
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