Fact check: Is there an underground living mammal that eats roots and plants?

1. Summary of the results

Yes, there are several underground living mammals that eat roots and plants. Multiple sources confirm the existence of various species including:

• Badgers, which are primarily carnivorous but do consume seasonal fruits and crops ^[1]
• Prairie dogs, groundhogs, chipmunks, and pocket gophers ^[2]
• Ground squirrels, voles, and various other burrowing mammals ^[3]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question oversimplifies the dietary habits of underground mammals. Important additional context includes:

• Many of these animals have varied diets that aren't limited to just plants and roots. For example, badgers are primarily carnivorous despite consuming some plant matter ^[1]
• Some underground mammals, like moles, are primarily insectivores, feeding mainly on invertebrates and using specialized toxic saliva to paralyze their prey ^[4]
• These animals create complex underground systems rather than just simple holes:
• Badgers create elaborate "setts" with multiple interconnected tunnels and chambers ^[1]
• Various species maintain extensive burrow networks ^[2]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The question implies a simple yes/no answer, which could lead to misconceptions:

• There appears to be some disagreement about moles' diet between sources - one describes them as purely insectivorous ^[4], while another states they eat both plant matter and invertebrates ^[5]
• The question might suggest that underground mammals are exclusively plant-eaters, when in reality most have more complex dietary needs combining both plant matter and other food sources
• The term "underground living" might be oversimplified, as these animals often spend significant time above ground despite maintaining underground burrow systems