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Gopher vs Groundhog: Are They the Same Animal?

What Southern California Homeowners Need to Know

Pocket gophers and groundhogs (woodchucks) are often confused, particularly by homeowners who moved to Southern California from eastern states. They are not the same animal — they are different species with different appearances, habits, and geographic ranges. Southern California has gophers. Southern California does not have groundhogs.

What Is a Groundhog?

The groundhog (Marmota monax), also called a woodchuck, is a large marmot found in the eastern United States and Canada. Key characteristics:

  • Large, stocky animal — 16-27 inches long, 5-14 pounds
  • Brown fur with a grizzled appearance
  • Highly visible above ground — commonly seen sitting upright in fields and meadows
  • Digs burrows but forages extensively above ground on grasses and vegetation
  • True hibernator — goes dormant for 3-5 months in winter
  • Not found in California

    • What Is a Pocket Gopher?

    California pocket gophers (Thomomys bottae and related species) are:

  • Much smaller — 5-9 inches long, 3-10 ounces
  • Brown to grayish-brown fur
  • Almost never seen above ground — spends nearly its entire life underground
  • Has fur-lined cheek pouches (the "pockets") for carrying food
  • Does not hibernate
  • Found throughout California including all of Southern California

    • If You Think You Have a Groundhog in Southern California

    You do not have a groundhog. If you are seeing a large, stocky, brown burrowing mammal above ground in Southern California, you are most likely seeing a California ground squirrel — which is brown, spotted, 14-20 inches long, and commonly seen sitting upright. Ground squirrels are sometimes mistaken for groundhogs by people unfamiliar with California wildlife.

    The animal causing fan-shaped mounds in your lawn is a pocket gopher — small, almost never seen, and completely different from a groundhog.

    Call 909-599-4711 for pocket gopher control throughout Southern California.

    Pocket Gopher Facts | Ground Squirrel vs Squirrel | Gopher Control Service