In California, the northern pocket gopher occurs from Mono Co. north into Alpine, eastern Sierra, eastern Plumas, Lassen, Modoc, and eastern Siskiyou cos. Abundant in juniper habitats with herbaceous understories, and in annual grassland, perennial grassland, wet meadow, cropland, and montane riparian habitats. Common in open stands of a variety of wooded and brushy habitats. Feeds on stems, leaves, and roots of forbs and grasses.
Food is stored extensively in underground chambers.
Burrows in friable soils. Most burrowing activity occurs in spring, either in response to moist soil conditions, changes in feeding habits, or reproductive cycles. A nest of dried vegetation is constructed in an underground nest chamber. Deep friable soils with moderate cover of grasses and forbs are preferred. Active throughout the day, but emerges from burrows mainly at night.