European Mole
ExploreMammals
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
Category
MammalsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
2
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
Ability
Earth Shovel Hands
European Moles have powerful, outward-facing front paws with strong claws that helps them dig tunnels at incredible speeds.
Ability
Velvet Coat
European Moles have fur that lies flat in any direction that helps them move smoothly through narrow tunnels.
Ability
Super Sniffer
European Moles can smell their prey deep underground because of their sensitive nose, helping them find food in the dark.
Ability
Tunnel Sense
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
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.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
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 not dangerous to people. It's best to watch them from a distance and let them dig in peace!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is European Mole?
12-20 cm
How much does European Mole weigh?
0.07-0.13 kg
How long does European Mole live?
3-6 years
How fast can European Mole move?
2 km/h
What does European Mole eat?
A mole loves to munch on juicy earthworms and other creepy crawlies found deep underground!
Where is European Mole usually found?
Moles like to live in gardens, fields, and forests where the soil is soft.
How does European Mole hunt?
Foraging
How many babies does European Mole usually have?
2-7
Snap Map
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