The pocket gophers are much alike. There are three genera and a considerable number of species represented in the Southwest but, except for variations due to climate and terrain, their habits are similar. Burrows usually are constructed in deep loam or alluvial soils. These tunnels seem to follow an aimless pattern. Their course is marked by mounds of earth thrown out of the workings at irregular intervals. When the gopher is engaged in throwing out this excavated earth, the entrance to the tunnel is left open until the job is completed, then tightly plugged to prevent enemies from entering. The tunnels themselves are rather small in diameter, considering the size of the gopher, for if it wishes to retrace its steps and there is no gallery near at hand in which to turn around, it can run backward almost as easily as forward. There are usually numerous rooms excavated along the course of the tunnels. In one is a warm nest constructed of grass and fibers. Others are utilized for storage rooms and at least one is reserved as a toilet, thereby keeping the rest of the workings sanitary. When the ground is covered with snow the northern pocket gopher especially is quite likely to extend its activities aboveground. Here it builds its tunnels through the snow and often packs them tightly with earth brought up from below. This remains as earth casts, when the snow melts and forms a characteristic mark of its presence. Chief foods of pocket gophers are the bulbs, tubers, and fibrous roots encountered in the course of their diggings. Whenever an especially abundant supply is found, the surplus is stored away as insurance against the time when future excavation produces nothing. Gophers also eat leaves and stems whenever available. Some plants are pulled down through the roof of the tunnel by the roots, and some are gathered near its mouth, although these trips “outside” are fraught with danger. Coyotes, foxes, and bobcats all are willing to chance an encounter with this doughty little scrapper for the sake of the tasty meal he will furnish. Little is known of gopher family life. For the most part, they are solitary individuals, avoiding others of their kind. At breeding time, however, they may travel some distance across country to find a mate. These trips usually are carried out under cover of darkness. The young average four in number. They are born late in the spring and do not leave to make their own homes until early autumn.