They have short, strong legs, and small ears and eyes. Their lips can be closed behind their front incisors, which the gophers use for burrowing. Their soft, loose pelts enable them to move backwards through their tunnels as easily as they move forwards. Each pocket gopher also has two, fur-lined check pouches extending from the lower portion of its face to its shoulders. These pouches are used to transport food, and can be turned completely inside out.