Gopher mounds are round, cone-shaped mounds up to two feet tall, while Mole mounds are long shorter ridges. Vole mounds are disc-shaped with small holes.
What is the main difference between a Gopher mound and Mole mound?
The main difference between a Gopher mound and Mole mound is the size and shape of the mounds they form.
Gopher mounds are round, cone-shaped mounds up to two feet tall, while Mole mounds are long ridges that can be anywhere from a few inches to a few feet long. Gopher mounds are created by digging and pushing soil up to the surface, while Mole mounds form when Moles tunnel underground in search of food and leave behind a ridged horseshoe-shaped mound.
Additionally, Gopher mounds tend to be much more numerous in a given area, while Mole mounds will typically be seen infrequently.
Gopher Mound Shape
The shape of a gopher mound is typically dome-shaped, with several chambers and tunnels radiating out from the center. The size of the mound can vary significantly, ranging in size from just a few inches to over six feet wide.
A typical gopher mound is usually constructed out of dirt and soil that has been dug up from underground by the gopher as it creates its tunnels and chambers. The mound may also contain small stones, twigs, roots, and other debris that has been carried up from underground by the gopher.
Although most gopher mounds are generally symmetrical in shape, they can sometimes be irregular or lopsided depending on the type of terrain.
Mole Mound Shape
Mole mounds are generally longer, narrower, and more pointed than gopher mounds.
They typically look like a volcano-like cone with several vent holes located in the sides of the mound. These vents help to allow air to circulate through the tunnels and chambers located beneath the mound.
The size of these mounds can vary significantly but they tend to be larger than gopher mounds and can measure up to two feet in length. Like with gopher mounds, mole mounds may also contain small stones, twigs, roots, and other debris that has been brought up from underground.
They are usually constructed out of soil and dirt that is packed tightly together by the mole as it creates its tunnels and chambers. Although most mole mounds are generally symmetrical in shape, they may also sometimes be irregular or lopsided depending on the type of terrain.
Vole Mound Shape
Vole mounds are generally smaller and more shallow than either gopher or mole mounds.
They tend to be disc-shaped, with several small holes located around the sides of the mound. These vents allow air to circulate through the tunnels and chambers located beneath the mound.
The size of a vole mound can vary, but they are usually much smaller than either gopher or mole mounds and can range in size from just a few inches to over one foot in diameter. Like with other burrowing mammals, vole mounds may contain small stones, twigs, roots, and other debris that has been brought up from underground.
Vole mounds are usually constructed out of dirt and soil that has been packed tightly together by the vole as it creates its tunnels and chambers.
Gopher Mound vs Mole Mound vs Vole Mound Locations
Gopher and mole mounds can be found in a variety of locations, including lawns, gardens, parks, meadows, and other areas with loose soil.
Gophers prefer to construct their mounds in areas with plenty of sunlight and well-drained soils, while moles tend to build their mounds in shadier spots. Both animals will typically build their mounds in areas where there are plenty of insects and other food sources available.
When comparing gopher and mole mounds, it is important to note that while gophers will often construct several mounds throughout an area, moles tend to focus on a single mound which they will continue to expand over time.
Vole mounds are usually found in grassy areas or small meadows, where there is plenty of vegetation and moist soil. They will often construct their mounds near the edge of a forest or thicket, as they prefer to stay close to cover while they hunt for insects and other food sources.
What is the difference between a Gopher, Mole and Vole?
Gophers, moles, and voles are all small burrowing mammals. They share several similarities in their behavior and physical characteristics, but there are also some notable differences between the three animals.
Gophers tend to have longer, thicker bodies than moles or voles, with short legs and webbed feet that help them to dig in the ground. They eat mostly plant matter, such as roots and tubers, but will also consume insects when available. Gophers create large mounds of earth that can be seen aboveground.
Moles are smaller than gophers, with a slimmer body and larger claws which help them to dig deeper tunnels underground. They mainly feed on small insects and larvae, but will also eat some plant matter. Moles create mounds of earth that are typically larger than gopher mounds and are more cone-shaped.
Voles are the smallest of the three animals, with a stocky body and short legs. They mainly eat plant material such as grasses, herbs, and seeds, but may also consume insects. Voles create shallow mounds of earth in the shape of a disc, with several small vents around the sides. These mounds are usually much smaller than either gopher or mole mounds.
Overall, gophers, moles, and voles have different physical features and behaviors that make them easily distinguishable. Additionally, they have different mound shapes, sizes, and locations which can be used to identify the animal responsible for creating them.
Knowing the differences between these animals can help you determine which one might be present in your yard or garden.
Vole Mound vs Gopher & Mole Mound Maintenance
Gopher and mole mounds will rarely require any maintenance beyond occasional raking or aeration. Their tunnels help to keep the soil loose, allowing water and air to pass through.
Vole mounds, on the other hand, may need some additional attention in order to prevent them from becoming too compacted or overgrown with vegetation. Hand raking the mound can help to keep it open and reduce the risk of compaction, while removing any vegetation that is growing on top of the mound can help to improve air circulation.
Additionally, adding a layer of mulch or other light soil can also help to keep the mound in good condition.
Mole Mound vs Gopher Mound Damage
Gopher mounds can cause some minor damage to your lawn or garden, such as uneven patches of grass.
These effects are usually not too severe, however, and the damage can be repaired with a little bit of effort. Moles, on the other hand, can cause much more significant damage due to their deeper tunnels which can collapse buildings or cause sinkholes in the ground.
In addition to this, their mounds can also damage nearby vegetation by uprooting plants or blocking access to water and other nutrients.
Gopher, Mole and Vole Mounds
In conclusion, gopher mounds are generally harmless and only require a small amount of maintenance, while mole mounds can cause much more significant damage that may require professional repair.
Vole mounds also require some maintenance in order to prevent them from compacting or becoming overgrown.
Knowing the differences between these animals and their respective mound types can help you identify which animal might be responsible for causing damage or creating a nuisance in your yard.
