Are pocket gophers protected in Washington state?

Are pocket gophers protected in Washington state?

Under the ESA, Mazama pocket gophers in Thurston and Pierce counties are protected from “take,” which under federal law means to “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.” Take may also include significant habitat modification or degradation …

Why are pocket gophers endangered?

Pocket gophers are also threatened by poisoning and trapping in agricultural areas, fire suppression, spread of invasive plants, gravel mining, military training activities and predation by cats and dogs. The Tacoma pocket gopher had been on a waiting list for federal protection since 2001.

Are pocket gophers going extinct?

Not extinct
Gopher/Extinction status

Is it legal to trap gophers in Washington state?

Elsewhere, pocket gophers are unclassified and may be trapped or killed and no special trapping permit is necessary for the use of live traps. However, a special trapping permit is required for the use of all traps other than live traps (RCW 77.15. 192, 77.15.

Where is pocket gopher native to?

North and Central America
Pocket gophers, commonly referred to simply as gophers, are burrowing rodents of the family Geomyidae. The roughly 35 species are all endemic to North and Central America.

Are pocket gophers keystone species?

Named for their pocket-like cheeks, the gophers are vital to the ecosystem. The rodent rarely ventures above ground but is considered a “keystone species” because its elaborate network of underground burrows benefit other animals and plants, Ozier said.

How do I get rid of pocket gophers?

How to Get Rid of Pocket Gophers

1. Our top recommendation to kill Pocket Gophers is by applying Gopher Bait 50. Locate active tunnels and apply the bait to holes made along the tunnel at a rate of 1 teaspoon per hole.
2. The application of Gopher Bait 50 should be made every 100 feet for the best results.

Are pocket gophers native to Washington state?

The Olympia, Roy Prairie, Tenino, and Yelm pocket gophers are regionally endemic subspecies of the Mazama pocket gopher found only in the State of Washington. The Olympia, Tenino, and Yelm pocket gophers are only found in Thurston County and the Roy Prairie pocket gopher is only found in Pierce County.

Are gophers protected?

Some species of gophers are considered endangered and should not be killed. In the South Puget sound area of Washington State (Clark, Mason, Pierce, and Thurston counties), the Western pocket gopher is under consideration for protection by the US Environmental Protection Agency as an endangered species.

Can you eat pocket gophers?

Once your gopher has been thoroughly cooked, it is time to eat this unique delicacy. The large bones of the gopher will contain nutritious marrow which can be ground up or cooked down in a soup for an additional meal.

Do pocket gophers come out at night?

Gophers don’t hibernate and are active year-round, even though you might not see any fresh mounding. They can also be active at all hours of the day and night. Gophers usually live alone within their burrow system, except when females are caring for their young or during breeding season.

What time of day are pocket gophers most active?

spring
Gophers dig extensive tunnel systems and are usually not seen on the surface. They are active year round and may burrow at any time of day. However, gophers are most active in the spring when they may construct up to three mounds a day. Additionally, they seem to be more active around dusk and at night.

What kind of gophers live in Washington State?

Two types of pocket gophers occur in Washington: the Western and Northern, with the Western pocket gopher having several subspecies. The Northern pocket gopher ( Thomomys talpoides ) (Fig. 1) is the smallest and most widespread, occupying much of eastern Washington.

Where are the Mazama pocket gophers found in Washington?

The Mazama pocket gopher in Washington has suffered habitat loss, with the remaining habitats being located in unexpected places. The largest populations have been found to reside around Fort Lewis and several regional airports.

What is the scientific name for a pocket gopher?

Scientific Name (s): Mazama pocket gopher: Thomomys mazama; pugetensis (Olympia pocket gopher) glacialis (Roy Prairie pocket gopher), tumuli (Tenino pocket gopher), and yelmensis (Yelm pocket gopher)

Are there pocket gophers in Thurston and Pierce counties?

Distribution of these four subspecies of the Mazama pocket gopher in Thurston and Pierce Counties has likely always been somewhat patchy, since these pocket gophers are restricted by the kinds of soils they can use and soil types are naturally patchy in distribution.