Gophers needed 1 day after Mount St. Helens erupted to bring explosions of new life

Scientists say the pocket gophers were cranky about being moved into a devastated landscape for a day in 1980. But decades later, their short visit still has visible, and vibrant, effects.

Gophers needed 1 day after Mount St. Helens erupted to bring explosions of new life
A pocket gopher is seen in its home on a meadow in the Butte Camp area on the southern side of Mount St. Helens in southwest Washington state. Gophers were taken to the northern side, which had been devastated by a volcanic eruption.

Scientists say the pocket gophers were cranky about being moved into a devastated landscape for a day in 1980. But decades later, their short visit still has visible, and vibrant, effects.

(Image credit: Bob Parmenter)