Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference

We evaluated the ability of underground fencing to exclude pocket gophers (Thomomys bottae) from experimental plots planted with alfalfa. Fencing extending 61 cm below and 91 cm aboveground, with a 15.2-cm lip bent 90 degrees inward at the bottom, did not prevent marked and unmarked gophers from escaping, invading, or moving among six adjacent plots. Complete underground screening, in combination with gopher control, may be the only technique which ensures the complete exclusion of gophers from experimental and ornamental plots.