Moles are small, insectivorous mammals that spend most of their lives tunneling underground, feeding on earthworms, grubs, and various insects. Despite their hidden lifestyle, they are part of a larger food web, becoming prey for a variety of animals. While their underground habits offer some protection, many predators have adapted ways to hunt them.
Avian Predators
Birds of prey are mole predators, often catching these burrowing animals when they venture above ground. Hawks, such as the red-tailed hawk and Cooper’s hawk, prey on moles, using their keen eyesight to spot movement from above. These raptors strike when moles surface for various reasons.
Owls, particularly barn owls and great horned owls, also include moles in their diet, often hunting at night when moles may be closer to the surface. Owls possess exceptional hearing, allowing them to detect the subtle sounds of moles moving underground, even in near-complete darkness. Their silent flight further aids in surprising unsuspecting prey on the ground.
Mammalian Predators
Mammals prey on moles, employing various strategies. Foxes and coyotes, both opportunistic hunters, use their acute senses of smell and hearing to locate moles beneath the soil. Once a mole’s presence is detected, these canids often dig rapidly to unearth their prey. Foxes, in particular, may patiently wait near tunnel entrances for moles to emerge.
Weasels and stoats are slender, agile predators capable of navigating mole tunnels to pursue their prey. Their body shape allows them to follow moles through their narrow underground networks. Badgers, with their powerful forelimbs and long claws, are skilled excavators that can dig directly into mole tunnel systems to reach them.
Domestic animals like cats and dogs also frequently hunt moles. Cats often catch moles that surface or are near tunnel entrances. Some dogs possess strong digging instincts and can be effective at locating and unearthing moles from their burrows. While domestic pets may not always consume the moles they catch, their predatory behavior contributes to mole population control.
Reptilian and Other Predators
Snakes are reptilian predators that prey on moles, often by entering their underground tunnels or ambushing them at tunnel exits. Species such as garter snakes, king snakes, and rat snakes hunt moles. The mole snake, found in southern Africa, is specifically named for its diet, which includes moles and other small mammals, which it constricts.
Other opportunistic animals also prey on moles. These can include skunks, raccoons, and even some large shrews. Their methods involve digging or taking advantage of moles forced to the surface.