Moles are subterranean mammals, and many people wonder if these burrowing creatures pose a biting threat. This article examines mole behavior, the likelihood of a mole bite, and other potential concerns.
Understanding Mole Behavior
Moles are fossorial mammals, spending almost their entire lives underground. They construct extensive tunnel networks in search of food, preferring loose, moist soils in areas like lawns, gardens, meadows, and woodlands. Their systems include shallow foraging tunnels and deeper permanent burrows for living and nesting. A single mole can tunnel up to 18 feet per hour in suitable soil.
Moles are primarily insectivores, with a diet mainly of earthworms, grubs, and other soil-dwelling invertebrates. They use their keen sense of touch and smell to locate prey, as their eyesight is limited. Moles have a high metabolism, consuming 70% to 100% of their body weight in food daily. While generally solitary, they are active throughout the day and night in cycles of activity and rest.
Dispelling the Myth of Mole Bites
Moles are not typically aggressive towards humans and generally avoid contact. A mole bite is extremely rare, occurring almost exclusively if a mole is handled or feels threatened. Their mouths and teeth are specialized for an insectivorous diet, designed to capture and consume small invertebrates.
Moles possess a full set of teeth, including incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, adapted for grasping and processing prey. These small, sharp teeth are effective for breaking through insect exoskeletons and the tough skin of earthworms. They are not structured for biting larger animals or for defense against humans. If a bite occurs due to direct handling, it would likely result in small puncture wounds and minor bleeding.
Potential Concerns with Moles
While moles do not pose a direct biting threat, their tunneling activities can cause significant property damage. They create raised ridges and molehills across lawns and gardens. This burrowing can disrupt a yard’s aesthetics and lead to uneven terrain, potentially affecting lawn mowing.
Mole tunnels can also damage plant root systems, causing plants to wilt, yellow, or even die. Extensive tunneling might indirectly affect underground structures like irrigation lines, walkways, or compromise the stability of foundations over time by causing soil erosion. Although moles themselves are not significant disease carriers, they can host parasites like ticks and fleas. These parasites may transmit infections, such as Lyme disease, to pets or humans if direct contact occurs.