Botta's Pocket Gopher is the most widespread pocket gopher in the western United States, exhibiting extraordinary geographic variation in coat color, body size, and skull morphology across its range. It is highly solitary and fiercely defends its burrow system against other pocket gophers, meeting only briefly to mate. The fan-shaped mounds of excavated soil it pushes to the surface are a familiar feature of western gardens and meadows.
Best time to see a Botta's Pocket Gopher
The best time to see a Botta's Pocket Gopher is January–June, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 4,252 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Botta's Pocket Gopher? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Botta's Pocket Gopher sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Botta's Pocket Gopher?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.