The variable pocket gopher (Heterogeomys heterodus) is a species of rodent in the family Geomyidae.

[2] It is endemic to Costa Rica, usually being found in grasslands and tropical forests at higher altitudes, up to 8,000 feet.

It is threatened by habitat loss, but are sometimes kept as pets in the United States and elsewhere.

The gopher typically has soft and dense fur colored blackish on the posterior and pale on the anterior.

Its dentition features a longitudinal groove on outer face of each upper incisor.