Although a brisk wintry stroll through the Arb might convince you that the Arb is devoid of wildlife, a whole ecosystem is just below your feet! In fact, many three pound critters are dwelling below the soil, namely the Plains Pocket Gophers (Geomys bursarius). If you’ve seen one, consider yourself lucky. These soil-dwelling rodents spend most of their lives underground feeding on roots and tubers and are also highly solitary until spring breeding season (nwf.org). Indirect evidence of their existence can be easier to spot. Pocket gophers’ burrows appear as raised clumps of loose soil, visible to passerby. If you walk through the restored grassland areas of the Arb on a day with no snow on the ground, you might find one! 

The Plains Pocket Gopher has sandy/soil-colored fur and a stout build, reaching up to 18 inches including its tail. Its front claws are startlingly long to dig burrows and obtain food. There are a vast number of pocket gopher burrows underground in the Arb — many are as deep as four feet below the surface! Luckily for them, there are many food options available underground, even in the winter. Some options at this underground café are tree roots, tubers and occasional above-ground plants. Although many resources are available in the safety of the underground, there are constant predation risks at the surface. Organisms from several families prey on pocket gophers: hawks, foxes, and badgers, to name a few. Danger is always present for these critters. 

Pocket gophers unknowingly aid other species as well, at no risk to themselves. When abandoned, pocket gopher burrows provide shelter for insects, spiders, toads and squirrels. Next time you brave the cold to explore the Arb, take a moment to think about the other species enduring the harsh climate, especially the elusive ones living their lives just under us.