Yes, there are gophers in Washington State. Washington gophers are commonly found in these parts of Washington State: Eastern Washington, Western Washington, the south Puget Sound area, and some of the smaller Washington islands.
Pocket Gophers in Washington
Pocket gopher populations in Washington vary from region to region. Generally, they are found in larger numbers in the eastern part of Washington and along the Oregon border.
They can also be found in patches throughout western Washington, but their population is not as large as it is in Eastern Washington. There have been reports of gophers being seen on many of the smaller islands off the coast of Washington.
In general, pocket gophers are a common sight in Washington.
Washington Gopher Statistics
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife does not keep any official records on the population of gophers in the state.
However, a 2018 survey estimated that there were approximately 1 million to 2 million pocket gophers living in Washington State. This is an approximate number since the exact population size is not known.
Gopher Control Methods in Washington
Gophers can be incredibly destructive and are a nuisance for both residential areas and agricultural fields.
Washington has created several methods to reduce their populations, including trapping, poisoning, and mechanical control.
By using these methods of gopher management, the number of gophers in an area can quickly decrease.
Washington Pocket Gopher Trapping
Trapping is the most common method used to control gopher populations in Washington.
To humanely remove gophers from your property, trapping is the most effective way. Strategically place traps in areas that are known to be frequented by these pests.
Then check them regularly and safely dispose of any trapped rodents immediately.
Washington Gopher Poisoning
Poisoning is another option for controlling pocket gopher populations in Washington.
By using gopher baits containing hazardous chemicals, this tactic poses a lethal risk to these animals.
Therefore, it must be used with caution and solely in areas where humans or other creatures are not commonly present.
Mechanical Gopher Control in Washington
Mechanical control is the last option for gopher control in Washington.
By utilizing tools such as gopher plows and spades, you can effectively dig soil to create a boundary that will prevent pesky gophers from entering your premises.
Where Do Gophers Live in Washington?
Gophers in Washington live in a variety of habitats across the state.
They are most commonly found in grasslands, meadows, cultivated fields, and open forests. In urban areas, they can also be seen living near buildings and homes.
Gophers have adapted to many different environments and can usually find suitable burrows and food sources to live off of.
How Do Pocket Gophers Impact Washington’s Ecosystem?
Gophers are important to Washington’s ecology. Gophers are natural weed and grass controllers, helping to keep vegetation in check.
They also create burrows that serve as homes for many small animals such as snakes, mice, and foxes. Additionally, they help break down organic matter in soil which provides essential nutrients for plants.
Though gophers can be a nuisance to gardeners and homeowners, they play an important role in Washington’s ecology and should be managed responsibly.
What do Gophers Eat in Washington?
Gophers in Washington mainly eat grasses, grains, small roots and stems, and insects.
They can also consume mushrooms, fruits, nuts and seeds if these are available in their environment. Gophers generally feed during the night when they come out to forage.
What do Washington Gophers look like?
Gophers in Washington are usually brown, grey or black and have short tails.
They are about 9 to 11 inches (23 – 28 cm) long and weigh around 1/2 to 1 pound (0.25 – 0.45 kg). Gophers have large front teeth which they use for digging burrows and eating food.
They also have fluffy fur that helps keep them warm in the winter.
What are the Signs of Gopher Activity in Washington?
The signs of gopher activity depend on where they are present.
In residential areas, some common signs include mounds of soil near flower beds and garden areas, tunnels running from these mounds, and holes around plants or trees.
In agricultural fields, the presence of large tunnel systems and damaged crops are indications of gopher activity.
Burrowing Owls and Gophers in Washington
In Washington, there is an interesting relationship between Burrowing Owls and Gophers. While Burrowing Owls rely on the tunnels created by gophers to nest, gophers themselves are also a food source for Burrowing Owls.
In some areas of Washington, the presence of these two species is so intertwined that it can be difficult to tell which one had been there first.
Because Burrowing Owls rely on the tunnels created by Gophers, they are often found in close proximity to each other, creating a mutually beneficial relationship. The presence of these two species helps to keep the local ecosystem in balance by controlling insect and rodent populations.
This interplay between Burrowing Owls and Gophers is yet another example of how nature works together to maintain harmony in Washington’s environment.
What are Gopher Predators in Washington?
Gophers in Washington have a variety of predators, including birds of prey, coyotes and foxes. They may also be taken by people for fur or food.
Gophers are more likely to be attacked by predators if they venture too far from their burrows into open areas. To reduce the risk of predators, gophers will typically remain close to the safety of their tunnels.
Are Pocket Gophers Dangerous in Washington?
Although Pocket gophers usually don’t harm humans, they can be detrimental to the environment by excavating and ingesting plants.
Their burrows and droppings have been linked to several diseases such as tularemia. To avoid potential damage or disease transmission from these animals, it is advisable that preventive measures are taken to deter them from entering an area.
Who should I call for Washington Gopher Control?
Acting quickly to address your gopher problem in Washington is critical for preventing damage to property.
For optimal results, it’s wise to enlist the help of a professional pest removal service with experience dealing specifically with gophers.
Their comprehensive approach includes trapping and poison options as well as educational guidance on how you can make sure these pesky rodents don’t return again in the future!
Washington State Gophers FAQ:
What are Gophers?
Gophers are a type of small mammal with gray-colored fur and short ears, belonging to the rodent family.
Commonly known as pocket gophers due to their unique pouch located near their front teeth – intended for storing food. These furry little critters have stout bodies along with even shorter legs.
Do Gophers Pose a Risk To Humans?
Gophers are generally not dangerous to humans and will usually avoid people. They can, however, dig tunnels that can create a safety hazard, so it is important to be mindful of their presence.
What Can I Do to Help Prevent Gophers from Coming onto My Property?
The best way to prevent gophers from coming onto your property is to keep the area clear of debris and vegetation.
Trimming back trees and removing fallen branches or leaves will make it less attractive for gophers to move in. Regular mowing of the lawn and creating a barrier around the perimeter of your property with fencing or netting can also help keep gophers away.
Finally, keeping pet food and birdseed stored indoors will reduce the likelihood of gophers coming onto your property in search of food.
How Can I Get Rid of Gophers in Washington?
If you’re looking for the most effective way to rid your property of gophers, trapping is often the best solution.
Be sure to check and change traps as necessary in order to ensure successful removal. Chemical repellents may be used if all else fails but should only be employed with caution.
Flooding tunnels can help discourage burrowing; however, this method should only be utilized when other attempts at removal have failed due to potential damage caused by water saturation on landscaping or gardens.
