Thomomys bottae is a subterranean, vegetarian rodent with almost 200 subspecies in the southwestern U.S. A gopher’s lips tuck in behind the front teeth which helps keep dirt from getting in while digging and nibbling on roots. They have fur-lined pockets in their cheeks where they stash food to bring down to store in underground chambers. While they’re often a problem for gardeners, their ecological contributions far outweigh their bad reputation; tilling and aerating the soil, providing habitat for many other creatures and being a primary food source for predators…and that smile!! (Click image for larger versions)
