[citation needed] Thomomys, commonly referred to as smooth-toothed pocket gophers, is a group of rodents belonging to the family Geomyidae.

Members of Thomomys are unique among gophers in that they have smooth upper incisors, free of the grooves that are common in other species.

All species share the trait of fur-lined, external cheek pockets that allow them to move food material to and from their underground dwellings.

Though the size of their eyes are typical for rodents, the lens is able to transmit light rays that fall into the ultraviolet range.

[7] Members of Thomomys inhabit southwestern Canada, the western United States, and a large percentage of Mexico.

This could be due to the fact that they expend copious amounts of energy excavating and maintaining their elaborate tunnel systems.

[8] They selectively consume underground parts of perennial and annual grasses, forbs, and woody plants.

The mounds are thought to increase ecological diversity of plants by providing a space for fugitive species that would otherwise have been eliminated due to competition over time.

The flora of mounds differs noticeably from the surrounding areas, often with increased numbers of forbs and annuals.

[8] These gophers are able to alter the mineral availability, organic molecule concentration, texture, and moisture content of soil.

[10] Recommendations released by the University of California, Davis suggest the use of a gopher probe to locate the main burrow.

[11] Gas explosives and flooding have commonly been utilized to force gophers from their burrows, and while sometimes successful, are not guaranteed to achieve full eradication.