While gophers’ bodies are slimmer than groundhogs’, they have round, protruding cheek pouches on their faces, unlike groundhogs.
Gophers’ teeth also tend to be more yellow than groundhogs’ teeth. [7] X Research source
Despite their habitat preferences, both gophers and groundhogs are commonly found throughout North America.
Adding a border fence around your plants can deter gophers and groundhogs. Use a wire fencing and insert it about 2 feet (60 cm) deep into the ground around your garden. [11] X Research source Then, ensure that the fencing extends about 3 feet (91 cm) high above the ground. [12] X Research source Gophers are considered herbivores, but they sometimes accidentally eat bugs and beetles as they dig. [13] X Research source
While gophers rarely leave their tunnels, groundhogs hibernate underground in the winter. If you do see any animal activity from November through February, you’re probably dealing with a gopher, not a groundhog. [15] X Research source
Gopher removal: The best way to get rid of gophers is to set a trap in their tunnel. Find the gopher’s main burrow by inserting a gopher probe into a fresh mound. Poke the probe around until you feel the soil give away. Then, use a shovel to dig into the tunnel and insert the gopher trap inside. For a humane way to get rid of gophers, flush their tunnels with a garden hose. This usually works best on new tunnels. Groundhog removal: To get rid of groundhogs in your yard, place a wire cage trap full of apple slides or carrots near their burrow entrance. Once you’ve caught the groundhog, release them about 5 miles (8 km) away from your home or dispose of them humanely.
