Pocket Gophers vs. Squirrels

Attribute	Pocket Gophers	Squirrels
Family	Geomyidae	Sciuridae
Habitat	Underground burrows	Tree nests or dens
Diet	Herbivorous	Herbivorous
Size	Small to medium-sized	Small to medium-sized
Tail	Short and hairless	Long and bushy

Physical Characteristics

Pocket gophers and squirrels are both small mammals, but they have distinct physical characteristics that set them apart. Pocket gophers are typically around 5 to 14 inches long and have stout bodies with small eyes and ears. They have large, fur-lined cheek pouches that they use to carry food. In contrast, squirrels are usually smaller, ranging from 5 to 18 inches in length. They have slender bodies with long tails and large eyes and ears. Squirrels also have sharp claws that help them climb trees and gather food.

Habitat

While both pocket gophers and squirrels are found in North America, they prefer different habitats. Pocket gophers are burrowing animals that live underground in extensive tunnel systems. They are commonly found in grasslands, agricultural fields, and forests. Squirrels, on the other hand, are arboreal creatures that live in trees. They build nests, called dreys, in the branches of trees and are often seen scampering along tree branches in search of food. Squirrels are adaptable animals and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, urban areas, and parks.

Diet

Both pocket gophers and squirrels are herbivores, but they have different diets. Pocket gophers primarily feed on plant roots, tubers, and bulbs that they find underground. They are known for their ability to consume large amounts of vegetation, which helps them survive in their subterranean habitat. Squirrels, on the other hand, have a more varied diet that includes nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects. They are known for their habit of storing food for the winter months, often burying nuts and seeds in the ground or hiding them in tree crevices.

Behavior

Pocket gophers and squirrels have different behaviors that reflect their respective habitats. Pocket gophers are solitary animals that spend most of their time underground in their burrows. They are territorial creatures that defend their burrow systems from other gophers. Pocket gophers are also known for their ability to push dirt to the surface, creating distinctive mounds of soil in fields and gardens. Squirrels, on the other hand, are social animals that live in groups called drays. They are active during the day, foraging for food and engaging in playful behaviors like chasing each other through the trees.

Reproduction

Both pocket gophers and squirrels reproduce through mating, but they have different reproductive strategies. Pocket gophers have a short breeding season in the spring and summer, during which females give birth to litters of 3 to 4 young. The young gophers are born hairless and blind and are cared for by their mother in the burrow. In contrast, squirrels have two breeding seasons per year, one in the spring and one in the fall. Female squirrels give birth to litters of 2 to 8 young, which are born fully furred and with their eyes open. Squirrel mothers care for their young in the drey nest until they are old enough to venture out on their own.

Interactions with Humans

Both pocket gophers and squirrels can have interactions with humans, but these interactions are often different in nature. Pocket gophers can be considered pests by farmers and gardeners because their burrowing activities can damage crops and gardens. They are also known to chew on underground irrigation systems, causing costly damage. Squirrels, on the other hand, are often seen as cute and entertaining animals by humans. They are frequent visitors to bird feeders and are known for their acrobatic abilities. However, squirrels can also be considered pests when they raid bird feeders or chew on electrical wires in homes.