Moles are small, burrowing mammals known for their specialized front paws and subterranean existence, spending most of their lives creating intricate tunnel systems underground. A common question arises regarding these elusive animals: do moles carry rabies? This article addresses this inquiry, providing factual information about rabies in moles and outlining appropriate actions if an encounter occurs.
Rabies and Moles: The Facts
While it is theoretically possible for any mammal to contract rabies, the occurrence of rabies in moles is extremely rare. Moles spend most of their lives underground, which significantly limits their interaction with common rabies carriers like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Data from 2011 to 2020 on rabies cases in rodents and lagomorphs in the USA, a group that includes moles, indicates that documented cases are uncommon.
Groundhogs and North American beavers accounted for approximately 97% of positive rabies cases within this broader category during that period, with moles rarely identified. There are very few, if any, documented instances of rabies transmission from moles to humans. Small animals like moles are often killed during an attack by a rabid animal before they can develop and transmit the disease. Consequently, the risk of a mole transmitting rabies to a human is considered very low.
What to Do After a Mole Encounter
If a mole bites or scratches you, immediate wound care is important. Thoroughly wash the affected area with soap and water for several minutes, then apply an antiseptic. Regardless of the animal involved, contact a healthcare provider for assessment, especially if the skin is broken. A medical professional can evaluate the need for a tetanus booster or other treatments, including rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a series of vaccinations and, in some cases, immune globulin, determined by a risk assessment.
Observing a mole exhibiting unusual behavior warrants caution, as it could indicate illness, though not necessarily rabies. Moles are typically shy and avoid human contact; an aggressive, disoriented, or unusually active mole during daylight hours might be unwell. If you encounter a mole behaving abnormally, avoid direct contact with the animal. Instead, contact your local animal control agency or health department for guidance, as they are equipped to safely handle or test the animal if necessary.