Mole
Moles are small, burrowing mammals in the family Talpidae, known for their cylindrical bodies, velvety fur, and enlarged forelimbs adapted for digging.
Moles are small, burrowing mammals in the family Talpidae, known for their cylindrical bodies, velvety fur, and enlarged forelimbs adapted for digging. They live mainly underground and feed largely on earthworms and other invertebrates. Moles occur across much of North America, Europe, and Asia, with a few species in other regions.
Description
Moles are compact, fur-covered mammals with short tails, reduced external ears, and powerful front limbs for digging. Their bodies are shaped for moving through soil, and their fur lies in a way that helps them travel forward and backward in tunnels.
Behaviour and diet
Moles live in burrows and forage underground for earthworms, insect larvae, and other small invertebrates. They are generally solitary animals and can maintain extensive tunnel networks.
Range and habitat
Moles occur in temperate regions across North America, Europe, and Asia, with some species in Africa. They are most often associated with soils that can be excavated easily and that support abundant underground prey.
Relationship with humans
Moles are often noticed because of their raised tunnels and soil mounds in lawns, gardens, and farmland. While sometimes treated as pests, they also contribute to soil mixing and the natural control of soil invertebrates. In Canada, several mole species occur, and they are familiar to gardeners and landowners because of the soil mounds they create.
Key facts
- Moles are not rodents; they are insectivorous mammals in the family Talpidae.
- Their forelimbs are adapted for digging, with broad hands and strong claws.
- Most species spend much of their lives underground in tunnel systems.
- Moles have poor eyesight but are highly adapted to sensing vibrations and prey in soil.
- They can be beneficial in ecosystems by aerating soil and controlling invertebrate populations.
Several mole species occur in Canada, including species found in parts of British Columbia and eastern Canada, and moles are familiar to Canadian gardeners and landowners because of the soil mounds they create.