Gophers vs. Moles: Uncovering the Key Differences Between These Subterranean Mammals

Over the years, both gophers and moles developed reputations as pests that can ruin your lawn or garden. However, a comparison of these subterranean mammals reveals several key differences between the two species. In this article, we’ll pit gophers vs. moles to see how they measure up and explain the key differences between them.

Comparing Moles and Gophers

Gophers comprise roughly 35 different species. Meanwhile, moles comprise 51 species and three subfamilies. Here is a brief overview of the differences between common gophers and moles.

The 7 Key Differences Between Moles and Gophers

There are many obvious differences between moles and gophers, regardless of species. When comparing the most common moles and gophers, differences in sizes, lifespans, and tunnel behaviors are apparent.

Here are all of the differences between moles and gophers in more detail.

Mole vs. Gopher: Size

When measuring the two species side by side, it’s easy to see that gophers tend to appear larger than moles. The average gopher measures 6-8 inches long, while the average mole reaches only 4-7 inches long.

In addition, gophers usually weigh more than moles. Most gophers weigh between 0.5-1 pound, but especially large species can reach up to 2.2 pounds. Meanwhile, moles weigh much less, usually only 2.5-4.6 ounces, or 0.25 pounds. 

Mole vs Gopher: Lifespan

While gophers may grow larger than moles, they tend to not live as long in the wild. Usually, gophers will live between 1-3 years in the wild. However, some records indicate specimens living up to 5 years. Moles, on the other hand, can live anywhere from 3 to 6 years in the wild.

Mole vs. Gopher: Geography

Of the two species, moles are more widely distributed than gophers. Their range includes every continent on Earth excluding South America, Australia, and Antarctica. Meanwhile, gophers’ native habitat includes only North and Central America.

While their ranges differ, they tend to live in similar habitats. They both love wooded areas, forests, plains, and grasslands, but moles will also take up a home in sand dunes. 

Mole vs. Gopher: Taxonomy

Many people mistakenly believe that both moles and gophers belong to the rodent family due to their similar appearance and penchant for digging tunnels. However, between the two, only gophers belong to the order Rodentia. Meanwhile, moles belong to the order Eulipotyphla. This means that moles bear more in common with shrews, while gophers share similar traits with pocket mice and kangaroo rats. 

Mole vs. Gopher: Body

Among the most notable differences between moles and gophers is their body shape and composition. Moles possess short, velvety fur that ranges in color from brown to grey to golden. Their small eyes and pointed snout give them a pinched look. Although their hind limbs appear small, their powerful forelimbs allow them to dig 15 feet per hour. In addition, they possess a sixth thumb which aids them in their digging.

While gophers generally appear brown, their color varies depending on the color of the soil where they live. They possess large, fur-lined cheeks which they use to remove dirt when building their tunnels. This is where they get their name “pocket gophers.” 

Mole vs. Gopher: Diet

Another major difference between moles and gophers concerns their diet. While moles are omnivores, gophers are herbivores. Moles primarily subsist on earthworms, insects, and grubs.

Gophers’ favorite foods include shrubs, roots, and vegetables. They will also graze on seeds and grasses if no other food is available. Their penchant to snack on vegetables is one of the reasons why many gardeners consider them pests. 

Mole vs. Gopher: Tunnels

While moles and gophers both dig subterranean tunnels, their tunnels appear quite different. Moles dig tunnels much closer to the surface, usually between 3-12 inches below the ground. For their tunnels, gophers tend to dig between 6-18 inches below ground. This tendency to dig deep explains why gophers’ nests and food storage chambers can go as deep as 6 feet, while mole nests typically rest only 3 feet below ground.

However, what moles lack in depth they more than make up for in size. While gopher warrens usually span between 200-2,000 square feet, a mole’s territory can stretch for 1-2 acres or over 80,000 square feet. Lastly, the mounds created by the two animals look very different. Gophers create crescent-shaped mounds, while moles create cone-shaped mounds.