Moles and voles are often confused by people who discover signs of burrowing activity in their yards and gardens. These two small mammals share a similar preference for inhabiting grassy areas and can appear comparable in size from a distance. However, they belong to different biological orders and possess distinct physical characteristics and behaviors.
Comparing Physical Dimensions
Moles and voles often occupy overlapping size ranges, but a mole typically has a more robust build for its length. The common Eastern mole generally measures between 6 and 8 inches from nose to tail tip, while many voles, such as the common meadow vole, are slightly shorter, ranging from 5 to 7 inches in total length. Moles carry significantly more mass, with their average weight falling between 2 and 6 ounces, reflecting their powerful musculature. Voles are lighter, weighing only 1 to 2 ounces, giving them a more compact and stocky appearance, like a small, stout rodent. The mole’s body structure is cylindrical, a shape adapted for moving efficiently through soil, while the vole’s body is more mouse-like, featuring a relatively short, furry tail.
Key Features for Visual Identification
The most telling physical difference lies in the forelimbs, which reflect the mole’s specialized subterranean lifestyle. Moles possess dramatically enlarged, paddle-like front feet that are rotated outward and equipped with prominent claws, serving as powerful digging tools. These specialized feet are unique. In contrast, a vole’s front feet are smaller and appear mouse-like, designed for running and gnawing rather than extensive excavation. The head and sensory organs also offer clear distinctions: a mole has an elongated, pointed snout and its eyes and external ears are extremely tiny, often completely concealed beneath its dense, velvety fur. Voles, on the other hand, have a rounded snout and a blunt face, with small but clearly visible eyes and partially exposed ears, giving them the appearance of a field mouse.
Habitat and Behavioral Differences
Moles are insectivores, meaning they primarily hunt for soil-dwelling prey such as earthworms, beetle grubs, and other insects. Their tunneling creates characteristic volcano-shaped mounds of soil, or raised ridges, as they push dirt aside while foraging just beneath the surface. Voles are herbivores and omnivores that feed on plant matter, including grass, seeds, roots, and tree bark, which can lead to damage to ornamental plants. They do not create the prominent mounds moles do, but instead leave distinct, narrow surface runways or trails through the grass where they travel and feed.