Unlike most pocket gophers in its range, the Western spends a great deal of time aboveground, mostly at night, but also on warm, dark days. Sometimes it simply pokes its nose up through the ground to cut vegetation; at other times, it bends down vegetation to collect the seeds. It feeds heavily on grasses, false dandelions, garlic, and lupine. Owls, some larger mammals, and gopher snakes are frequent predators.

description Reddish brown or various shades of gray to black, depending on soil color. Pointed ear, with dark patch behind that is 5 times size of ear. L 7 1/4–9 3/8" (183–239 mm); T 2 1/8–3 1/8" (53–81 mm); HF 1–1 3/8" (25–35 mm); E 1/4– 3/8" (7–9 mm); Wt 1 7/8–3 3/8 oz (52–96 g).

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