Geomys bursarius

Statistics
Length: head and body 5.5-9"; tail 2.4-5"
Weight: 4.5-12.5 oz.
Number of teeth: 20
Young: 1-7 young born February to June

Habitat
Require well-drained soil with tuberous-rooted plants.

Food
Vegetation: roots, stems, leaves.

Period of Activity
Throughout the day and night.

Distribution
Illinois: Narrow band along the Illinois and Kankakee Rivers
USA: See distribution map.

Pocket Gopher Trivia
The pocket gopher is a rodent with special adaptations for a fossorial, or underground life. Its front feet are large and have a strong claw on each toe which helps it dig dirt. Gophers are able to close their mouth behind thier incisors, or front teeth, so they can dig with their teeth without getting dirt in their mouth. Areas where pocket gophers live have mounds of dirt at the entrances of their burrows.