What are pocket gophers?
Q: What are pocket gophers?
A: Pocket gophers are burrowing rodents of the family Geomyidae.
Q: Are ground squirrels true gophers?
A: No, ground squirrels of the family Sciuridae are often called gophers but they are not true gophers.
Q: What is the name "pocket gopher" used for?
A: The name "pocket gopher" on its own is used for a number of subspecies of the family.
Q: Are pocket gophers a pest?
A: Yes, despite being largely a pest, pocket gophers are a symbol of the U.S. state of Minnesota.
Q: What is Minnesota sometimes called?
A: Minnesota is sometimes called "the Gopher State".
Q: What distinguishes true gophers from other rodents?
A: True gophers belong to the family Geomyidae, while other rodents may be ground squirrels or other types of squirrels.
Q: What is the significance of pocket gophers?
A: Pocket gophers are a symbol of Minnesota, indicating its connection to the animal, but they are also considered pests in many areas.
