The gopher is a burrowing rodent that ranges from 6- 12 inches long at maturity. It has a large head and robust upper body which are necessary for excavating burrows. Gophers are generally restricted to west central Wisconsin and are more of a problem in rural areas.

Gophers can be distinguished from moles by their brown fur and robust bodies with powerful forelegs and long claws. Unlike moles, gophers are rodents with large, chisel-like teeth which they use to excavate their tunnels. These teeth can grow up to 14 inches per year. A reversible, fur-lined, external "pocket" in their cheeks used to carry food is where the common name "pocket gopher" is derived.

Gophers rely heavily on their sense of touch, although their sense of smell is developed enough to locate food and mates. Gophers see better than moles but their sense of hearing is approximately equal.

Much of a gopher's life is spent alone underground, however there may be between 6-8 gophers per acre. The exception to their solitary existence is when they are mating and raising a brood during winter and early spring. They may live up to 12 years and are most active in spring and summer. Although they are less active during the winter, they do not hibernate.