# Mole (*Talpidae*) Moles are small mammals with velvety fur and strong front paws for digging tunnels underground. They have tiny eyes and ears but a great sense of touch to find food like worms and insects. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Underground burrows - **Also known as:** Common Mole ![Mole](https://media.snappit.app/site-media-v1/b079613eaa684e99b0b3dc47fc000439a92e268d32d462fac1692bf8ae24eb71/image-560x560/w-560.webp) ## Appearance The Mole has a small, cylindrical body covered in short, velvety fur, typically dark grey to black. It has tiny eyes often hidden by fur and no visible external ears. Its most distinctive features are its large, paddle-like front feet with strong claws, adapted for digging. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Soricomorpha - **Family:** Talpidae ## Interesting facts - Moles can detect faint electrical fields to find hidden prey underground. - Moles can sometimes 'swim' through loose soil as if it were water! - Some moles can store dozens of paralyzed earthworms in underground larders. - Their teeth grow continuously throughout their life, needing regular wear. ## Special abilities - **Super Shovelers:** Moles can powerfully dig tunnels because of their broad, shovel-like front paws with strong claws and rotatable wrists. - **Directional Fur:** Moles have special velvety fur that can lie flat in any direction, which helps them move forward or backward easily in tight tunnels. - **Oxygen Masters:** Moles have unique blood adaptations, including extra hemoglobin, that help them breathe better in low-oxygen underground environments. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 10-20 cm - **Weight:** 0.03-0.15 kg - **Lifespan:** 3-6 years - **Speed:** 3 km/h - **Litter Size:** 2-7 - **Gestation:** 28-45 days ## Diet & Feeding Moles are insectivores that feast on worms and insects found while tunneling underground. - **Primary Foods:** earthworms, insect larvae, slugs, snails, grubs - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Barn Owl](https://www.snappit.app/explore/barn-owl) (*Tyto alba*) — Hunts moles when they venture above ground. - **Eaten by:** [Red Fox](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-fox) (*Vulpes vulpes*) — May dig up moles from their shallow tunnels. - **Eats:** Common Earthworm (*Lumbricus terrestris*) — A primary food source for moles in their tunnels. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [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. - [Tool Use](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/tool-use): This trait describes organisms that manipulate external objects to achieve a specific goal. - [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years. - [Regenerative](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/regenerative): Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Moles are shy and rarely seen above ground. Let them be and enjoy watching their tunnels from a distance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify 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 Mole? 10-20 cm ### How much does Mole weigh? 0.03-0.15 kg ### How long does Mole live? 3-6 years ### How fast can Mole move? 3 km/h ### What does Mole eat? Moles are insectivores that feast on worms and insects found while tunneling underground. ### Where is Mole usually found? Underground burrows ### How does Mole hunt? Foraging ## 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: [Mole: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/mole)