Factors Influencing Seasonal Burrowing Activity in the Pocket Gopher, Thomomys bottae

Data on the food habits and reproductive patterns of Thomomys bottae were gathered concurrently with climatic data over a 1-year period to determine the relative importance of each in influencing burrowing activity. High levels of fall burrowing activity in both sexes coincided with the increased use of preferred foods. Burrowing activity of females continued to reflect patterns of food preference during the winter and spring, while the significantly higher levels of male activity at those times appeared to be directed at searching for mates. Precipitation, although possibly seasonally important, was not a major factor influencing burrowing activity.