Gopher Identification:

In Alberta Richardson's ground squirrels, more commonly known as gophers, inhabit short grass prairies and sometimes adapt to suburban environments. They can be seen in numbers in pastures and fields feeding on seeds, nuts, grains, grasses and insects, diving into their burrows when danger approaches. Ground squirrels construct and live in extensive underground burrows, sometimes up to 6 feet (2 m) deep, with many entrances. The burrows of Richardson's ground squirrels are grouped closely together in colonies, and individuals give audible alarm calls when possible predators approach. It is also not unusual to find these squirrels digging tunnels under sidewalks and patios of urban homes.

They are dark brown on the upper side and tan underneath. Their tail is shorter and less bushy than other squirrels, constantly flickering which often gives away their location. Their general location can also be found by listening for their characteristic, "Squeak"!

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Problems Gophers may cause:

On agricultural land these burrowing squirrels can damage the root system of crops as well as eating young shoots. Their extensive tunnel network can lead to livestock, particularly horses, loosing their footing and falling. A fall can often causing injury to livestock. Their burrows can also undermine driveways, footpaths and the foundation of buildings.

Gophers breed quickly with one female having between 6-14 young per year. Mating begins 3-5 days after hibernation, between mid-March and mid-April. The gestation period lasts around 22 days. Both males and females are ready to breed when they are 11 months of age.

Their mating habits means a colony can see a rapid increase in numbers with-in months and a exponential increase in numbers the following year. The new members of the colony will often move to form new colonies in the same pasture or adjoining fields and land when their home territory becomes crowded. They are social animals so there is usually more than one and quite often a colony in a particular area.

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