Pouched Rat
Pseudostoma or Geomys, a genus of plump, short-tailed, hamster-like rodents, with cheek pouches which open externally and are used as receptacles for food. One of the best known species is P. or G. bursarius, sometimes called "gopher." Like the other species it is a native of North America, and inhabits the territory E. of the Rocky Mountains and W. of the Mississippi. It is a burrower like the mole, active in warm weather, hibernat- ing in the cold, sluggish above ground. ing ng in cold, sluggish above ground.
Being voracious gnawers, the pouched rats do much damage to the roots of trees and crops.