The Variable Pocket Gopher is a large, dark tropical gopher of Costa Rica's highlands, found in volcanic soils of the Central Valley and adjacent mountain ranges. It is among the most commonly encountered large pocket gopher species in Costa Rica and causes significant damage to agricultural root crops. Like all pocket gophers, it is highly territorial and solitary.
Not certain it is a Variable Pocket Gopher? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Variable Pocket Gopher sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Variable Pocket Gopher? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Variable Pocket Gopher is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love mammals? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.