Moles are small, burrowing mammals that spend nearly their entire lives hidden beneath the Earth’s surface. While rarely observed above ground, specific circumstances can lead to such sightings.
Life Beneath the Surface
Moles are uniquely equipped for their life underground, possessing several physical adaptations that facilitate efficient digging and navigation. Their forelimbs are notably strong and paddle-like, featuring large, broad claws that are rotated outward to scoop soil effectively. This specialized anatomy allows them to move through the earth with a swimming motion. Their fur is short, dense, and velvety, lacking a particular direction, which enables them to move backward or forward through their narrow tunnels without resistance from displaced soil.
Their diet consists primarily of earthworms and other invertebrates found in the soil, such as grubs, beetles, and insect larvae. Moles constantly excavate tunnels in search of this food, consuming a significant portion of their body weight daily, sometimes between 70% to 100%. Their saliva contains a toxin that can paralyze earthworms, allowing them to store live prey in underground larders for later consumption. These intricate tunnel systems serve multiple purposes, providing pathways for hunting, shelter from predators, and chambers for nesting and raising young.
When Moles Emerge
While moles are primarily subterranean, there are specific instances when they may appear above ground. A common reason for surface sightings involves the dispersal of young moles. Juvenile moles, often born in litters of three to five, typically leave their mother’s territory after about five to six weeks to establish their own, a journey that sometimes requires traveling above ground. This period of dispersal, often occurring in spring or autumn, presents a significant risk to the young animals.
Adult moles might also emerge from their tunnels for various reasons. During breeding season, typically from March to May, males may enlarge their tunnel systems or travel above ground to seek out females in new territories. Environmental factors can also force moles to the surface; heavy rains or flooded tunnels, for example, can displace them temporarily. Occasionally, moles may accidentally breach the surface while digging shallow feeding tunnels, or surface if fleeing from predators or disturbances like human activity or pets. These above-ground excursions are generally brief and opportunistic, as the mole’s adaptations are best suited for life underground.
Distinguishing Moles from Lookalikes
Identifying a mole can sometimes be challenging, as they are often confused with other small, burrowing mammals like voles, shrews, and mice.
Moles
Moles possess distinct physical characteristics: a pointed, hairless snout, large, paddle-like front feet with prominent claws adapted for digging, and very small, inconspicuous eyes and ears that are often hidden within their velvety fur.
Voles
Voles, often referred to as “meadow mice,” have a more rodent-like appearance with small, rounded ears, visible eyes, and a short, furry tail. They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on plants, roots, and bark, and create surface runways rather than deep tunnels.
Shrews
Shrews are very small mammals with an elongated, pointed snout, visible eyes, and small ears, often mistaken for mice but are insectivores like moles. Unlike moles, shrews may be seen above ground more frequently and tend to use existing tunnels made by other animals.
Mice and Rats
Mice and rats have larger ears, more prominent eyes, and longer tails compared to moles, and they are typically found both indoors and outdoors, often seeking shelter in structures.