Four species of pocket gophers inhabit Colorado, each with distinct ecological preferences. Plains pocket gophers thrive in sandy and silty soils of the plains, while northern pocket gophers prefer deep, sandy soils in mountainous regions. Botta's pocket gophers inhabit warm valleys in southern Colorado, and yellow-faced pocket gophers are found in drier southeastern regions. These rodents play a crucial role in soil health but can damage crops and infrastructure, prompting various control methods such as exclusion, trapping, and the use of toxicants. Additionally, they serve as prey for numerous predators, contributing to ecosystem balance.
Download this paper by Colorado State University to learn more.