Western Moles
ExploreMammals
Western Moles
Scapanus
Western moles are small, furry animals that dig tunnels underground. They have big front paws that help them move quickly through the soil, making them great at finding food like worms and insects.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Western Mole has a stocky, cylindrical body covered in soft, velvety dark gray to brownish-black fur. It possesses large, paddle-like front feet with strong claws, perfectly adapted for digging. Its eyes are tiny and almost hidden, with no visible external ears, and a short, thick, nearly naked tail.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderSoricomorphaFamilyTalpidaeGenusScapanus
Category
MammalsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A Western Mole can tunnel up to 5 meters (16 feet) in one hour!
Moles are excellent swimmers and can cross small streams.
Their fur is so fine it doesn't get dirty even when covered in mud.
They create intricate tunnel networks that can stretch for acres.
Special abilities
Ability
Super Shovel Paws
Western Moles have huge, spade-like forepaws because of powerful muscles that help them dig tunnels faster than you can imagine.
Ability
Dirt-Proof Fur
Western Moles has unique fur that can lay flat in any direction, allowing them to move forward or backward through tight tunnels without getting stuck.
Ability
Nose Navigator
Western Moles can 'see' with their nose using special Eimer's organs that help them detect tiny vibrations and food underground.
Ability
Oxygen Master
Western Moles has special blood adaptations that help them breathe easily in low-oxygen tunnels deep underground.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 12-22 cm
- Weight
- 0.05-0.25 kg
- Lifespan
- 3-6 years
- Top Speed
- 2 km/h
- Litter Size
- 2-5
- Gestation
- 30-45 days
Diet & Feeding
Western Moles are amazing underground hunters, mainly eating earthworms and other creepy crawlies.
Primary Foods
- earthworms
- beetle larvae
- grubs
- slugs
- crickets
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Common Earthworm
Lumbricus terrestris
Main food source found by tunneling
eaten by
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
Hunts moles when they surface
eaten by
Coyote
Canis latrans
Digs up moles from their tunnels
eaten by
Long-tailed Weasel
Mustela frenata
Can enter mole tunnels to hunt
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Moles are shy and prefer to stay underground, so it's best to leave them alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Western Moles?
12-22 cm
How much does Western Moles weigh?
0.05-0.25 kg
How long does Western Moles live?
3-6 years
How fast can Western Moles move?
2 km/h
What does Western Moles eat?
Western Moles are amazing underground hunters, mainly eating earthworms and other creepy crawlies.
Where is Western Moles usually found?
Grasslands
How does Western Moles hunt?
Foraging
How many babies does Western Moles usually have?
2-5
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