Gophers vs. Moles in South Carolina: Only Moles Live Here

South Carolina has moles — but no gophers. The distinction matters for lawn care.

Gophers (Geomyidae)

Status: **Absent** from South Carolina. Native to western/central North America (Great Plains, Rockies, West Coast). Pocket gophers need deep, friable soils for extensive burrow systems — SC's coastal plain/clay soils unsuitable.

Moles (Talpidae) — Four Species Present

1. Eastern Mole (Scalopus aquaticus): Statewide. Gray, 6–7". Shallow feeding tunnels (ridges), deep nest chambers. Insectivore — eats grubs, earthworms.
2. Hairy-tailed Mole (Parascalops breweri): Mountains/Piedmont only. Tail furry. Similar habits.
3. Star-nosed Mole (Condylura cristata): Wetlands, streamsides. 22-tentacled nose (electroreception). Swims. Rarely seen.
4. Southeastern Mole (Scalopus australis): Coastal plain. Smaller, darker. Recently split from Eastern.

Damage & Control

Mole signs: Raised ridges (feeding), volcano mounds (deep tunnels). Not plant eaters — but tunnels uproot roots, invite voles (who *eat* plants).
Control: Trapping (scissor-jaw, harpoon) most effective. Repellents (castor oil) temporary. Poison baits risky (non-target).
Benefit: Aerate soil, eat grubs (Japanese beetle larvae). Tolerate if minimal.

If You See a "Gopher"

It's likely a groundhog (woodchuck) — common in SC, larger, diurnal, herbivore. Or a vole — mouse-sized, runs in mole tunnels, eats roots.

SC has moles (4 species), not gophers. Know the difference — treat the right pest.