Gophers migrating above ground.
Gophers are primarily subterranean rodents, meaning they spend most of their lives living and digging tunnels underground. However, there are occasional instances where you might see them above ground. Here are some reasons why:
- Finding food: While gophers primarily eat roots and tubers, they may occasionally venture above ground to supplement their diet with fresh vegetation, especially during Their main breeding seasons in the spring and summer months when plant growth is abundant.
- Dispersal: Gopher are solitary creators and live alone except during breeding. Young gophers, after they are weaned, are forced out of their home by the females to find their own territories. They may disperse above ground in search of suitable habitat to establish their own burrow systems.
- Flooding: If their burrows become flooded due to heavy rain or rising water tables, gophers may be forced to emerge above ground to find temporary shelter or higher ground.
- Predation: If a predator, such as a hawk or owl, is spotted, a gopher may briefly emerge above ground to escape. However, they will quickly retreat back into their burrows as soon as the threat has passed.
- Disturbed burrows: If their burrows are disturbed by human activities like gardening or construction, gophers may come above ground to escape the disruption or find a new location to establish their burrows.
It's important to note that seeing a gopher above ground is not necessarily a sign of an infestation. However, if you are seeing multiple gophers above ground or noticing extensive damage to your landscaping, it may be indicative of a larger population. In such cases, Call Wheeler’s Pest Control to consult with a wildlife control professional for assistance.
