What is the difference between a Gopher and a Mole?
Gophers have large front teeth, furry tails and a flat nose while Moles have pointed snouts and none furry tails.
Gopher vs Mole Appearance and Size
The difference between a Gopher and Moles appearance is quite significant. Gophers are small, burrowing rodents that have short legs, large front teeth and greyish brown fur.
They typically range in size from 4-14 inches in length. Moles, on the other hand, are smaller than gophers and have grayish fur and pointed snouts.
They typically range in size from 4-6 inches. Gophers also have fur on their tails, while moles do not.
In terms of body shape, gophers are more cylindrical in shape while moles are more rounded. Gophers have short, powerful front legs that are adapted for digging, while moles have shorter and weaker front legs that are adapted for pushing dirt.
Gophers also have large, distinctive claws on their front feet that are used to dig and push dirt, while moles have smaller claws that are not as noticeable.
Gopher vs Mole Families
Gophers belong to the family Geomyidae, while moles belong to the Talpidae family. Gophers are found throughout North and Central America, while moles are found in the Northern Hemisphere.
Gophers tend to live in grasslands, meadows and marshes, while moles are typically found in areas with moist soils, such as near rivers and lakes.
Mole vs Gopher Food & Diet
The difference between Gopher and Moles diets is quite clear. Gophers primarily feed on roots and tubers, while moles mostly feed on worms and insects.
Gophers have a diet that is mainly vegetarian, while moles are strictly carnivorous. Gophers also tend to store food in underground burrows, while moles do not. This allows gophers to survive when food is scarce.
Gophers and Moles have different methods of finding food. Gophers use their large front teeth to dig, while moles rely on their snouts and claws to search for worms and grubs in the soil.
Gophers also have a keen sense of smell that helps them detect food underground.
Additionally, gophers are able to construct their own burrows to create and store food, while moles rely on natural tunnels or those created by other animals.
Mole vs Gopher Holes
Gophers live in underground tunnels while moles prefer to dig shallow tunnels near the surface of the ground.
Gophers’ burrows can be quite deep, sometimes reaching up to 8 feet, while moles’ tunnels rarely exceed 3 feet. Gopher tunnels are typically straight and uniform in shape, while mole tunnels can be more sporadic and random.
Gophers will also build food chambers inside their tunnels, while moles typically do not.
Gopher vs Mole Habits
The difference between Mole and Gopher habits is quite distinct.
Gophers are active during the day and create complex underground tunnels, while moles are nocturnal and prefer to keep their tunnels near the surface. Gophers are solitary and territorial, while moles are social and will share their tunnels.
Gophers can be seen poking their heads out of their burrows while moles rarely venture above ground. Gophers have also been known to build and store food, while moles do not.
Gopher vs Mole Predators
Gophers and Moles have a few predators in common, including snakes, hawks, owls and foxes.
Gophers are also preyed upon by badgers, while moles can be attacked by mink and weasels. Both gophers and moles must constantly be on the lookout for predators trying to get into their burrows.
Gophers have been known to plug their tunnels with dirt or other materials in order to keep predators out, while moles may choose to dig deeper tunnels for protection.
Mole vs Gopher Weight & Lifespan
Gophers typically weigh between 2-4 ounces, while moles can range from 4-7 ounces.
The average life expectancy of a gopher is around 3 years, while the lifespan of a mole may reach up to 7 years.
Gophers are also known to be more active during certain times of the year than moles, as gophers are more likely to emerge from their burrows during spring and summer months.
Gopher vs Mole Adaptations
Gophers and moles have both adapted to living underground. Gophers have large, curved claws on their front feet that can help them dig quickly and efficiently, while moles possess small claws that are well-suited for digging.
Gophers can also close their nostrils when they dig, while moles have adapted to be able to breathe through their skin. Gophers are also more likely to venture outside of their tunnels than moles, who rely on their underground homes for safety.
Gopher vs Mole Damage
Gophers and moles both cause damage to plants and land when they dig their tunnels.
Gophers can often strip trees of their bark, while moles may cause damage to plants and roots when they uproot them from their burrows.
Gophers can also disrupt drainage systems, while moles can damage lawns, gardens and fields. It is important to identify whether it is a gopher or mole causing the damage in order to determine the best way to get rid of it.
Gopher vs Mole vs Vole
Voles are a bit different than both gophers and Moles. They are small rodents that live above ground, typically in grassy or wooded areas.
Voles create shallow tunnels and burrows more like those of moles and are active during the day. They will also eat plants, bark and roots, but can cause more damage to gardens or crops than a Gopher or Mole.
It is important to be able to distinguish between the three, as they can all cause damage in different ways.
Gopher vs Mole vs Groundhog
Groundhogs are also different from Gophers and Moles. Unlike gophers and moles, groundhogs spend much of their time above ground, often creating burrows close to buildings or other areas where there is plenty of vegetation.
Groundhogs can cause a lot of damage with their burrowing activities and they are also more likely to be seen above ground than Gophers or Moles. Groundhogs can also be destructive to crops and gardens, as they will eat a variety of vegetation.
Gopher and Mole Control Methods
The best way to control gophers and moles is to identify the problem areas and set traps in those locations.
It is also important to fill in any existing tunnels or burrows and repair any damage caused by these animals.
Planting repelants around gardens or other areas where they may be present can also be helpful. Deterrents like ultra-sonic sound systems, smoke bombs or even flooding can also be used to keep gophers and moles away.
It is important to identify whether it is a gopher, mole or other animal causing damage in order to determine the best control methods for each situation.
For more information about controlling gophers and Moles, consult your local extension office or wildlife management agency.
Your local experts can provide you with advice and resources specific to your area. Additionally, you can find resources online about effective gopher and Mole control methods that are safe for animals, humans, and the environment.
What is the difference between a Gopher and a Mole?
The main difference between a Gopher and a Mole is size, habitat and behavior. Gophers are larger than Moles, living in burrows above ground and venturing outside their tunnels more often.
Moles are smaller in size, living primarily underground and relying on their burrows for safety. Gophers also have large claws to help them dig quickly and efficiently, while moles have small claws that are better suited for digging tunnels.
Both animals can cause damage to gardens and crops, but it is important to identify which one is responsible in order to determine the best control method. With the right knowledge and resources, these nuisance animals can be controlled safely.
