Do Gophers Hibernate?

Gopher Winter Activity in Southern California

No — pocket gophers do not hibernate. Unlike ground squirrels, which enter torpor during cold weather, pocket gophers remain fully active throughout the year. In Southern California's mild climate, gophers tunnel, feed, and breed in every month — there is no winter dormancy period.

Why Southern California Gophers Don't Hibernate

Hibernation is an adaptation to survive cold winters when food is unavailable. Pocket gophers eat plant roots and underground vegetation that remains available year-round in Southern California's mild climate. With food consistently available and soil temperatures well above freezing throughout winter, there is no trigger for the metabolic slowdown that constitutes hibernation.

Even gophers in colder parts of California and the western United States do not truly hibernate — they may reduce above-ground activity and tunnel deeper during cold snaps, but they remain active underground throughout winter.

Gopher Activity in Southern California Winter

Southern California winters often bring increased visible gopher activity compared to summer. Winter rains soften soil and make tunneling easier. Gophers expand their tunnel systems rapidly during and after rain events. Fresh mounds appearing after winter rains are a common occurrence throughout LA, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties.

This is why winter is actually one of the best times for professional gopher treatment — moist soil makes tunnel location easier and gophers are consistently using their primary runs.

Ground Squirrels vs Gophers — Hibernation Difference

Ground squirrels do enter a form of dormancy during cold weather — another reason to confirm you have gophers rather than ground squirrels before treating. If surface activity has completely stopped during winter, ground squirrels may be in torpor. Gophers will still be creating fresh mounds.

Year-Round Gopher Treatment

Because Southern California gophers are active year-round, there is no off-season for gopher control. Rodent Guys provides gopher control service in every month with the same 60-day guarantee.

Call 909-599-4711 for same-week service.