Do Gophers Re-Purpose Their Subterranean Real Estate?
Gophers, those industrious burrowers, don’t always start from scratch. Do gophers use old tunnels? While they often dig new passageways in search of fresh resources, they frequently rehabilitate and re-use existing tunnel systems , especially when advantageous.
Gopher Tunneling 101: A Subterranean Civilization
Pocket gophers, solitary creatures except during mating season, spend their lives constructing and maintaining elaborate tunnel systems. These systems are crucial for their survival, providing shelter from predators, insulation from extreme temperatures, and access to a constant food supply. Understanding how they manage these underground networks is key to answering the question, do gophers use old tunnels?
The Benefits of Re-Using Existing Tunnels
Why expend the energy to dig a new tunnel when a perfectly good one already exists? Several factors contribute to a gopher’s decision to re-use an old tunnel:
- Energy Conservation: Digging is hard work! Re-using an existing tunnel saves the gopher valuable energy.
- Established Infrastructure: Old tunnels represent pre-existing routes to food sources.
- Reduced Risk of Collapse: Older, well-established tunnels may be more stable than newly constructed ones.
- Territorial Defense: An existing, complex tunnel system provides a defensible territory.
How Gophers Modify Existing Tunnels
When a gopher decides to utilize an old tunnel, it’s not simply moving in. They engage in several activities to adapt the tunnel to their needs:
- Widening or Narrowing: Adjusting the tunnel diameter to suit their size.
- Adding New Branches: Creating new offshoots to access previously untapped food sources.
- Closing Off Unnecessary Sections: Blocking off portions that are no longer needed to conserve energy and space.
- Repairing Collapses: Reinforcing weak areas to prevent further deterioration.
- Creating New Food Storage Chambers: Excavating spaces for storing roots and tubers.
Signs of Gopher Activity in Old Tunnels
How can you tell if a gopher is actively using an existing tunnel system? Look for these telltale signs:
- Fresh Mounds of Dirt: This indicates recent digging activity, even if the main tunnel already existed.
- Plugged Tunnel Entrances: Gophers routinely plug tunnel entrances to maintain humidity and deter predators.
- Vegetation Disappearing Near Mounds: This suggests the gopher is actively foraging from the tunnel system.
- Increased Gopher Activity After a Period of Inactivity: A sudden resurgence of mounds could mean a gopher has moved into an old, previously abandoned system.
The Factors Influencing Tunnel Re-Use
Several factors influence whether a gopher will re-use an old tunnel:
- Food Availability: If the surrounding area has abundant food, re-using a tunnel system close to those resources is more likely.
- Soil Type: In loose, sandy soil, tunnels are more prone to collapse, making re-use less likely. In more compact soil, tunnel re-use is more common.
- Competition: The presence of other gophers can influence tunnel usage. A dominant gopher might claim and re-use an existing system, forcing others to dig new ones.
- Age of the System: Very old, deteriorated systems might be too difficult to repair and are less likely to be re-used.
Common Mistakes in Gopher Management
Many homeowners make mistakes when trying to manage gopher populations:
- Ignoring Early Signs: Failing to address gopher activity early allows the tunnel system to expand, making control more difficult.
- Superficial Treatments: Only targeting surface mounds without addressing the underground tunnel system provides temporary relief at best.
- Using Ineffective Traps: Improperly set or poorly designed traps will fail to capture gophers.
- Damaging Existing Tunnels: Aggressively flooding or fumigating tunnels can damage the soil and surrounding vegetation, without necessarily eliminating the gophers. This also makes the area less hospitable for natural predators that can help control gopher populations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gopher Tunnel Use:
Is it possible for multiple gophers to share the same tunnel system?
No, typically gophers are solitary animals and prefer to have their own individual tunnel systems. While it’s possible for some overlap to occur, especially at the edges of their territories, direct sharing of the same tunnels is uncommon except during mating season.
How long does a typical gopher tunnel system last?
The lifespan of a gopher tunnel system depends on several factors, including soil type, weather conditions, and gopher activity. Some systems can last for several years, especially if regularly maintained and repaired. However, abandoned tunnels will eventually collapse over time.
What attracts gophers to a specific area in the first place?
Gophers are primarily attracted to areas with abundant food sources, such as grasses, roots, and tubers. Areas with loose, easily diggable soil are also attractive. Landscaping with plants that gophers favor can inadvertently draw them in.
Can abandoned gopher tunnels damage my property?
Yes, abandoned tunnels can contribute to soil erosion and uneven ground, creating tripping hazards. Collapsing tunnels can also damage underground utilities and irrigation systems.
If I fill in a gopher tunnel, will they just dig it out again?
Possibly. While filling in a tunnel might temporarily deter a gopher, they are capable of re-excavating tunnels or digging new ones nearby. Effective control usually requires a more comprehensive approach.
Are there natural predators of gophers?
Yes, many animals prey on gophers, including owls, hawks, snakes, coyotes, badgers, and foxes. Encouraging these predators (while ensuring safety for pets and livestock) can help control gopher populations.
What is the best way to get rid of gophers humanely?
Humane trapping is often considered the most effective and humane method for removing gophers. Live traps allow you to relocate gophers to a suitable habitat away from your property. Always check local regulations regarding relocation.
Do gophers hibernate during the winter?
No, gophers do not hibernate. They remain active throughout the year, relying on their tunnel systems to provide insulation from the cold and stored food to survive the winter months.
What kind of soil is best suited for gopher tunneling?
Gophers prefer loose, well-drained soil that is easy to dig. Sandy loam is ideal. Clay soil can be more difficult to tunnel through, but gophers can still adapt and create systems in clay-rich areas.
How deep do gopher tunnels typically go?
The depth of gopher tunnels varies, but they are typically found between 6 inches and several feet below the surface. Main tunnels are usually deeper than feeding tunnels.
What is the difference between a gopher and a mole?
Gophers and moles are often confused, but they are distinct animals. Gophers are rodents with prominent cheek pouches, while moles are insectivores with pointed snouts and large front paws. Gophers create mounds of dirt, while moles create ridges on the surface.
If I have gophers in my yard, does that mean I have a problem with my soil?
Not necessarily. The presence of gophers simply indicates that the soil and vegetation are suitable for their survival. It doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem with the soil itself. They are simply taking advantage of a favorable environment. Do gophers use old tunnels? Yes, they do! But their presence doesn’t necessarily mean there’s an underlying issue with your soil composition.