Thomomys – Smooth-toothed pocket gopher

A group of small, burrowing rodents native to western North America, especially the United States, Canada, and parts of Mexico. These gophers are named for their relatively smooth, un-grooved incisors, which help distinguish them from other pocket gophers like those in the Geomys genus. Despite their small size and secretive nature, Thomomys gophers play a big role underground, quietly shaping ecosystems through their digging and feeding habits.

There are several species in this genus, with the northern pocket gopher (Thomomys talpoides) being one of the most widespread, found in grasslands, mountain meadows, and even deserts across the western U.S. and Canada. These gophers are solitary, territorial, and rarely seen above ground. Their bodies are built for life underground: they have small eyes and ears, short legs, and large, curved claws for digging. Their fur-lined cheek pouches allow them to carry food like roots, bulbs, and grasses back to their burrow systems, and like other pocket gophers, they can close their lips behind their teeth to keep dirt out while digging.

What makes Thomomys gophers especially interesting is their adaptability. They can live in a wide range of soil types — from soft mountain loam to compacted desert dirt — and are excellent underground world engineers. A single gopher can create tunnel systems that stretch over 21 meters (200 feet), complete with sleeping chambers, food caches, and waste areas. Their digging not only improves soil aeration and nutrient cycling but also helps water soak into the ground, which benefits nearby plants.