Geomys bursarius Skull Replica measures 2.0 inches or 50mm. Geomys bursarius Skull is museum quality polyurethane cast. 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw). Made in USA. Known as Plains Pocket Gopher. Our precise skull can be used as a teaching tool, museum skull exhibit, home decor skull, or office decor skull.
The Plains Pocket Gopher or Geomys bursarius is one of 35 species of pocket gophers, so named in reference to their externally located, fur-lined cheek pouches.
They are burrowing animals, found in grasslands and agricultural land across the Great Plains of North America, from Manitoba to Texas. Pocket gophers are the most highly fossorial rodents found in North America.
The Geomys bursarius has short fur with brown to black coloration over the upper body and lighter brown or tan fur on the underparts. Whitish hairs cover the tops of the feet, while the short, tapered tail is nearly naked.
Fossorial adaptations include small eyes, short, naked ears, and large fore feet with heavy claws. Zygomatic arches are widely flared, providing ample room for muscle attachment, although, unlike other pocket gophers Geomys bursarius does not use the curved incisors to assist the feet in digging.
The external cheek pouches, which distinguish this family from other mammals, can be turned inside-out for grooming purposes. They are used for carrying food up to 2.8 in. in length and have a forward opening.
The Geomys bursarius spend 72 percent of their time in their nests, coming above ground to search for food or mates, and for young animals to establish new burrows.
The Geomys bursarius are territorial and aggressive, especially in male to male interaction, these rodents appear to use their greatly increased sensitivity to soil vibration to maintain their solitary lifestyle.
The gophers share their tunnels with numerous species of insects, including flies, scarab and carrion beetles, and cave crickets.
Plains pocket gophers typically breed only once a year, although they may sometimes breed twice in good years or warmer climates.
The breeding season varies with latitude, ranging from April to May in Wisconsin to as long as January to September in Texas. Females give birth to one to six young after a gestation period around 30 days.
Geomys bursarius known predators include rattlesnakes, prairie kingsnakes, gopher snakes, feral cats, coyotes, foxes, badgers, hawks, and owls.
