European Mole

Talpa europaea

The European Mole is a small, furry animal that lives underground. It has tiny eyes and powerful front paws for digging tunnels in the soil.

Habitat: Moles like to live in gardens, fields, and forests where the soil is soft.

Appearance

The European Mole is a small, cylindrical mammal with short, dense, dark grey to black velvety fur. It has tiny, hidden eyes and ears, and large, shovel-like front paws perfectly adapted for digging, which are pinkish and hairless.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderSoricomorphaFamilyTalpidaeGenusTalpa

European Mole

Interesting facts

A mole can dig a brand new tunnel up to 20 meters long in just one day!

Moles are active all year round; they don't hibernate during the cold winter months.

Their blood has extra hemoglobin to help them breathe in low-oxygen tunnels.

They store live, paralyzed earthworms in special underground 'larders' for later meals!

Special abilities

European Moles have powerful, outward-facing front paws with strong claws that helps them dig tunnels at incredible speeds.

European Moles have fur that lies flat in any direction that helps them move smoothly through narrow tunnels.

European Moles can smell their prey deep underground because of their sensitive nose, helping them find food in the dark.

European Moles can detect vibrations in the soil that helps them sense prey moving through the ground.

Measurements & details

Length: 12-20 cm
Weight: 0.07-0.13 kg
Lifespan: 3-6 years
Top Speed: 2 km/h
Litter Size: 2-7
Gestation: 28-30 days

Diet & Feeding

A mole loves to munch on juicy earthworms and other creepy crawlies found deep underground!

Primary Foods

earthworms
insect larvae
grubs
slugs
snails
centipedes

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Common Earthworm

Lumbricus terrestris

Main food, often stored alive in 'larders'.

eaten by

Common Buzzard

Buteo buteo

Preys on moles when they venture above ground.

eaten by

Red Fox

Vulpes vulpes

Hunts moles, especially young ones, near the surface.

shelters

Wood Mouse

Apodemus sylvaticus

Sometimes uses abandoned mole tunnels for shelter.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Furry

Find adorable animals covered in a cozy coat of soft fur! Their fur helps them stay warm and protected in different environments.

Solitary

Meet animals that enjoy their independence! These creatures prefer to live by themselves, finding food and shelter on their own.

Burrowing

Dig deep and discover animals that build amazing homes underground! They create tunnels and chambers to stay safe, find food, or escape the weather.

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!