Which animal is primarily a plant eater and may cause turf damage?

The animal that is primarily a plant eater and may cause turf damage is the vole. Voles are small, burrowing rodents that feed on grasses, roots, and other plants. They have a diet that typically consists of herbaceous plant material, making them particularly problematic for turfgrass areas. Their feeding habits can lead to significant damage, as they can create exposed soil and dead patches in lawns and landscapes.

In contrast, the other options represent animals that may not focus primarily on plant material or may not cause the same level of damage to turf. Moles are primarily insectivorous and burrow through the soil mainly in search of insects and grubs, while squirrels mainly consume nuts, seeds, and fruits, and are generally not associated with significant turf damage. Gophers, while herbivorous, tend to cause damage through their burrowing and feeding behavior primarily in garden areas rather than established turf. Therefore, voles are recognized as the main culprits in turf damage among the listed options.