# Coast Mole (*Scapanus orarius*) The Coast Mole is a small, furry animal that loves to dig tunnels in the ground. It has big front paws that help it move quickly underground, making it a great digger! - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Coastal areas ![Coast Mole](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Coast_Mole_%28Scapanus_orarius%29.jpeg&width=800) Photo: NPS.gov, Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coast_Mole_%28Scapanus_orarius%29.jpeg) ## Appearance The Coast Mole is a small, cylindrical mammal with incredibly soft, velvety dark grey fur that can lie flat in any direction. It has a pointed, pink snout for rooting and large, paddle-like front feet equipped with powerful claws. Its eyes are tiny and almost completely hidden within its fur, distinguishing it from shrews or mice. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Soricomorpha - **Family:** Talpidae - **Genus:** Scapanus ## Interesting facts - A Coast Mole's powerful front paws are wider than its head! - Coast Moles can "swim" through loose soil almost like a fish in water. - Their saliva contains a toxin that can paralyze earthworms, storing them for later! - They build two kinds of tunnels: shallow feeding tunnels and deep sleeping burrows. ## Special abilities - **Super Digger:** Coast Moles can tunnel through soil incredibly fast because of their strong, shovel-like front paws and claws that help them create elaborate underground networks. - **Velvet Fur Shield:** The Coast Mole has unique velvety fur that can lay flat in any direction, helping it move forward or backward through narrow tunnels. - **Tunnel Sense:** Coast Moles have a powerful sense of touch and smell in their sensitive snout, helping them find food and navigate in complete darkness. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 12-16 cm - **Weight:** 0.06-0.1 kg - **Lifespan:** 3-6 years - **Speed:** 3 km/h - **Litter Size:** 2-5 - **Gestation:** 28-30 days ## Diet & Feeding They primarily munch on yummy worms and insects found hiding underground! - **Primary Foods:** Earthworms, Insect larvae, Grubs, Slugs, Centipedes - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Coyote](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coyote) (*Canis latrans*) — Coyotes dig up moles when they hunt. - **Eaten by:** [Great Horned Owl](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-horned-owl) (*Bubo virginianus*) — Owls catch moles that venture above ground. - **Eats:** Common Earthworm (*Lumbricus terrestris*) — Coast Moles feast on these wiggly treats. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Burrowing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/burrowing): Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Decomposer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/decomposer): Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. - [Coastal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/coastal): Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low If you see a mole, watch it from a distance and don't try to touch it. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Coast Mole? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Coast Mole? 12-16 cm ### How much does Coast Mole weigh? 0.06-0.1 kg ### How long does Coast Mole live? 3-6 years ### How fast can Coast Mole move? 3 km/h ### What does Coast Mole eat? They primarily munch on yummy worms and insects found hiding underground! ### Where is Coast Mole usually found? Coastal areas ### How does Coast Mole hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Iona Beach Regional Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/iona-beach-regional-park) — British Columbia, CA · Park - [Mill Lake Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mill-lake-park) — British Columbia, CA · Park - [Sasquatch Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sasquatch-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park [View all places to see Coast Mole](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/coast-mole) ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Coast Mole: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coast-mole)