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Difference Between Chipmunk and Gopher
Chipmunks and gophers are two small mammals that belong to different families. While they may look similar at first glance, there are several differences between these two animals that set them apart.
What are Chipmunks?
A chipmunk is a type of rodent that is in the genus Tamias and can be recognized by the presence of dark stripes on the face and the long bushy tail. These animals are also in the same family, Sciuridae, as the squirrels and are therefore quite closely related.
Distribution and habitat − Chipmunks are found in North America (most of the species) and South Central Mexico (one species). They are found living in quite a range of habitats including forests and even arid areas with shrubbery.
Morphology − The chipmunks weigh from 1 ounce up to about 5 ounces and are thus small animals. They typically are a red-brown to a gray color with stripes on their faces. These animals have large eyes relative to the size of their body, and they have fairly large bushy tails.
Habits − They are diurnal animals that are quite noisy, being vocal especially during the mating season. They nest in burrows that they make in the ground or else they make nests in trees or logs. They find and feed on a range of different food items which they find while foraging on the ground in the undergrowth. They are omnivorous, feeding on plant matter and a range of insects.
Chipmunks are solitary animals and so they do not live in groups, and they do hibernate during winter. Although chipmunks may prefer foraging on the ground they can and will climb into trees in search of food when they need to. One specialized species is even able to climb up rocks in the canyon where it lives
What are Gophers?
A gopher is a small mammal that has cheek pouches lined with fur on the outside. There is more than one genus of gophers found in the family Geomyidae.
Distribution and habitat − Gophers are found living in the countries of Central America and North America. These animals live in a variety of habitats from grassland to coniferous forests.
Morphology − Gophers range in size from 5 to 14 inches and have a stocky body. They do not have any black stripes on the face and are a uniform color that is usually brown or tan. They are well-adapted for digging burrows since they have claws on their paws and small ears and eyes. They have the ability to close their lips behind their front teeth which means they can use their teeth to dig without getting soil in their mouths. These little mammals have small eyes and ears compared to the overall size of their body, and they are well-adapted to digging tunnels in the soil.
Habits − These little mammals forage for vegetation such as roots and tubers and they build long complicated burrows underground. They are also solitary individuals but unlike chipmunks, they do not hibernate and remain active even during the cold winter months.
Gophers, unlike chipmunks, do not make much noise. They do not vocalize to the same extent even during the breeding season these animals tend to be quiet. These animals also always nest in burrows that they have dug into the ground.
Differences: Chipmunk and Gopher
One of the most noticeable differences between chipmunks and gophers is their size. Chipmunks are generally smaller than gophers, with an average weight of around 2 to 5 ounces, while gophers can weigh up to 2 pounds. Gophers are also typically longer than chipmunks, with a body length of around 7 to 12 inches compared to a chipmunk's length of 5 to 6 inches.
Another major difference between chipmunks and gophers is their physical appearance. Chipmunks have a striped pattern on their back, with a white stripe running down the center and darker stripes on either side. They also have round ears and a pointed snout. In contrast, gophers have a stockier build, short legs, and small ears that are often difficult to see. They do not have the distinctive stripes that chipmunks do, and their fur is usually a solid color, ranging from gray to brown.
When it comes to habitat, chipmunks and gophers also have different preferences. Chipmunks are usually found in forests, woodland areas, and shrubby areas, while gophers tend to live in grasslands, prairies, and agricultural fields. Chipmunks are primarily ground-dwellers, but they can climb trees and bushes if necessary. Gophers, on the other hand, spend most of their time underground in burrows that they dig themselves. These burrows can be extensive, with some gophers creating tunnel systems that span several hundred feet.
In terms of behavior, chipmunks and gophers also have distinct differences. Chipmunks are more active during the day and are known for their quick movements and agility. They are also omnivores, feeding on a variety of foods such as seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects. Gophers, on the other hand, are more active at night and are herbivores, primarily feeding on plants such as grasses, roots, and tubers. They are also known for their ability to damage crops and gardens by burrowing and consuming plant roots.
The following table highlights the major differences between Chipmunks and Gophers −
Characteristics |
Chipmunk |
Gopher |
|---|---|---|
Definition |
A chipmunk is a small rodent which always has stripes on the face. |
A gopher is a small rodent which has cheek pouches that are lined with fur. |
Classification |
The chipmunks are classified in the family Sciuridae. |
The gophers are classified in the family Geomyidae. |
Morphology |
Chipmunks are mammals which always have stripes present on the face. |
Gophers are mammals which never have stripes on the face. |
Size |
The size of a chipmunk is quite small, not normally growing longer than 16 cm in size. |
The size of a gopher is larger, growing up to a length of 35 cm. |
Vocalization |
Chipmunks do make sounds and are quite vocal particularly if it is the breeding season. |
Gophers do not vocalize and are usually silent even if it is the breeding season of the animal. |
Hibernation |
Hibernation commonly occurs in chipmunks during the cold winter months when they enter a state of torpor. |
Hibernation does not occur in gophers during winter, and they remain active during this time. |
Nutrition |
Chipmunks feed on a range of foods including insects and plant matter and are thus herbivores. |
Gophers feed on only a few types of foods that are all plant material. |
Nesting |
Chipmunks have been known to nest in burrows in the ground, but also in trees. |
Gophers only nest in burrows they have constructed in the ground. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while chipmunks and gophers may look similar at first glance, there are several key differences between these two small mammals. These differences include their size, physical appearance, habitat preferences, and behavior. Understanding these differences can help to identify these animals and better appreciate their unique characteristics.
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