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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Moles and Gophers?

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Moles and gophers are both underground-dwelling creatures that can cause damage to lawns and gardens, but they have distinct differences in appearance, behavior, and the type of damage they cause. Here are the key differences between moles and gophers:

Appearance:

  • Moles have massive forefeet, pointed snouts, and small eyes and ears that are often hidden by their fur. Their fur is soft and varies from brown to gray with silver highlights.
  • Gophers have large cheek pouches, short ears, easy-to-see eyes, and long incisors protruding from their mouths. They are larger than moles, with some species weighing between a half-pound to two pounds and reaching up to 14 inches in length.

Behavior:

  • Moles are known for their runaways, which are long tunnels just below the lawn surface that elevate the ground and form small raised ridges. These ridges are spongy and soft when stepped on and reform if the mole is active.
  • Gophers do not typically leave runaways, as their tunnel system is deeper underground. They construct burrow systems with an elaborate tunnel network, with the main tunnel 4–18 inches below the surface.

Diet:

  • Gophers are omnivorous, eating a variety of plants, seeds, nuts, and small animals.
  • Moles primarily eat insects, worms, and other small invertebrates.

Mounds and Holes:

  • Gopher mounds exhibit a distinctive fan, horseshoe, or semi-circular shape, with the entrance to the burrow on the "open" side of the mound.
  • Mole mounds are volcano-shaped and do not have a visible entrance.

Knowing the differences between moles and gophers can help you identify the cause of damage in your yard or garden and choose the most effective methods for dealing with their presence.

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  • What is the Difference Between Moles and Gophers?
  • Comparative Table: Moles vs Gophers

    • Comparative Table: Moles vs Gophers

    Here is a table comparing the differences between moles and gophers:

    Feature Moles Gophers
    Classification Small burrowing mammals, members of the family Talpidae Medium-sized rodents, belong to the Geomyidae family
    Appearance 6-8 inches long, pointed snouts, paddle-like forefeet, long claws 12 inches long, fur-lined pouches, four large incisor teeth, short necks, strong forefeet with long claws
    Habitat Prefer coarse soil, spend most of their lives underground Live in lawns, gardens, golf courses, and other areas with soft soil
    Mounds Create volcano-shaped mounds, usually more than 6 feet apart Create fan-shaped mounds, often with the hole off to the side
    Dirt Chunks Excavate dirt in large clumps Pulverize soil and excavate fine, loose powder
    Surface Runways Create feeding tunnels just below the soil surface, looking like raised ridges Construct elaborate underground tunnel networks
    Diet Prefer non-plant food Favor bulbs, roots, and sometimes tubers
    Damage Aerate soil and mix nutrients, rarely cause significant damage Can cause damage to lawns, gardens, trees, and underground wiring and fixtures

    Both moles and gophers are active underground, but they have distinct differences in their appearance, habitat, and the damage they cause. Moles are small mammals with pointed snouts and paddle-like forefeet, while gophers are rodents with fur-lined pouches and large incisor teeth. Moles create volcano-shaped mounds and feed on non-plant food, while gophers create fan-shaped mounds and favor bulbs, roots, and tubers.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.