Moles

Moles are small mammals that belong to the Talpidae family. They are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere in Europe, Asia, and North America. Moles have a unique appearance, with their small bodies, short legs, and long snouts. They are well adapted to digging and live most of their lives underground.

Meta Information

Scientific Name

Talpidae

Average Lifespan

6 years

Average Size

4-6 inches

Similar To

Shrews, Hedgehogs, Voles, and Mice

Lifecyle

Moles mate in the spring and the female gives birth to an average of 4-6 young after a gestation period of 40-50 days. The young are weaned after about a month and reach maturity at around 6 months.

Diet

Moles are insectivores and mainly feed on earthworms, grubs, and other small insects.

Habitat

Moles live in a wide variety of habitats including grasslands, meadows, forests, and even suburban backyards. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and can dig extensive tunnel systems.

What do moles eat?

Moles primarily eat insects and earthworms. They have a high metabolism and need to eat a lot in order to sustain their energy levels. Moles are able to consume up to 80% of their body weight in food each day. They use their sharp teeth and long snouts to dig through the soil and locate their prey. Moles also eat small rodents, reptiles, and other small animals when they are available.
Are moles harmful to humans?

Moles are generally not harmful to humans. They are solitary animals and do not pose a threat to people. However, their burrowing behavior can cause damage to lawns, gardens, and other landscaping. Moles create tunnels in the soil which can make it difficult to grow plants or walk on the surface. Additionally, their burrowing can create unsightly mounds of soil and cause tripping hazards.
How can I get rid of moles in my yard?

There are several ways to get rid of moles in your yard, but it is important to note that some methods may be more effective than others. One option is to use traps specifically designed for moles. These traps are placed in active tunnels and can be very effective. Another option is to use repellents, such as castor oil, to discourage moles from entering your yard. You can also try removing their food source, such as insects and earthworms, by treating your lawn with insecticides. Finally, you may want to consider hiring a professional pest control service to help you eliminate moles from your yard.
How do moles navigate underground?

Moles have several adaptations that allow them to navigate underground. They have a keen sense of smell that allows them to locate prey, even in complete darkness. They also have large front paws with long claws that are designed for digging. These paws are very sensitive and allow moles to sense vibrations in the soil. Additionally, moles have very small eyes that are covered with fur, so they rely on their other senses to navigate their environment.
What is the lifespan of a mole?

Moles typically live for 2-3 years in the wild. However, some individuals have been known to live up to 6 years. Moles have a high metabolism and burn a lot of energy, which can take a toll on their bodies over time. Additionally, moles face a number of threats in the wild, such as predation and disease, which can shorten their lifespan.
Do moles hibernate?

Moles do not hibernate, but they do remain active throughout the year. During the winter months, moles will dig deeper into the soil to avoid colder temperatures. They will create deeper tunnels and burrows in order to stay warm and continue to search for food. While moles remain active throughout the year, their activity may be reduced during the winter months due to colder temperatures and less available food.
Are moles blind?

Moles are not blind, but their eyesight is very poor. Their small eyes are covered with fur and can only detect light and dark. However, moles have a keen sense of smell and touch, which allows them to navigate their environment and locate prey. They also have specialized hairs on their bodies that can detect vibrations in the soil, allowing them to sense the movement of other animals and avoid predators.

10 Fun Facts About

1. Moles have poor eyesight, but they make up for it with their excellent sense of smell and hearing. 2. Moles can dig up to 18 feet per hour. 3. They have large, paddle-like front feet that help them to dig. 4. Moles have a unique fur that is waterproof and helps them to stay warm underground. 5. Moles can eat up to 70% of their body weight in food every day. 6. Moles have an extra set of incisors that are used for grooming. 7. Moles can swim and will sometimes use water to escape predators. 8. Moles are solitary animals and only come together to mate. 9. Moles can produce up to 3 litters of young a year. 10. Moles can live up to 6 years in the wild.