What is banana rat?

Banana rats, also known as pocket gophers, are medium-sized rodents that are native to parts of Florida, Cuba, and the Bahamas. They are named for their fondness of eating bananas and other fruit, which they find in gardens and agricultural fields.

Banana rats have a distinctive appearance with brown fur, short legs, and a stocky build. They have strong claws for digging and creating intricate burrow systems underground. These burrows can be extensive, with multiple entrances and chambers for nesting, storing food, and raising young.

Banana rats are primarily herbivores, feeding on roots, tubers, fruits, and vegetables. They are considered pests by farmers and gardeners because they can cause damage to crops and landscaping. In urban areas, banana rats have been known to raid garbage cans and store food in their burrows.

Despite their reputation as pests, banana rats play an important role in their ecosystems as seed dispersers and prey for predators like owls, snakes, and bobcats. They also contribute to soil health through their burrowing activities.