Where are Mole found in the wild?

These fascinating creatures flourish in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and suburban areas. They love soft, moist soil that makes digging a breeze, and you can often spot their tunnels in gardens and parks, where they work quietly beneath the surface.

"East African Mole Rat, Bwindi Forest Uganda" by ME Researcher is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Mole

Uncover a world of underground adventure with nature's tiny diggers!

"East African Mole Rat, Bwindi Forest Uganda" by ME Researcher is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Basics

Scientific Name

Talpidae

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Location

North America, Europe, Asia

Average size

4 to 7 inches long

diet

Insects, earthworms, grubs

lifespan

3 to 6 years

Let’s Explore

Overview

Moles are remarkable little mammals that dig their way through life with their powerful front paws. These furry critters belong to the family Talpidae and can be found in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Moles are not the biggest animals in town, averaging between 10 to 18 centimeters (4 to 7 inches) in length. But what they lack in size, they more than make up for in digging power, creating intricate tunnel systems under the ground like tiny architects.
Moles enjoy a tasty diet that consists mainly of insects, earthworms, and grubs. With their keen sense of touch and smell, they navigate the dark earth to find their favorite underground snacks, making them nature's underground foodies.
Their lives can last from 3 to 6 years, depending on the species and environment. Moles are solitary animals, so they often dig alone, creating their own personal underground playgrounds.
Despite their secretive lifestyle, moles play a vital role in the ecosystem. Their burrowing helps aerate the soil and allows water and nutrients to reach plants, making gardens happy and healthy.

Where can you find a Mole in the wild?

What does a Mole eat?

How big can a Mole grow?

How long does a Mole typically live?

What is the conservation status of the Mole?

What are the main threats to the Mole?

wowzerful facts

Moles have tiny eyes that are nearly blind, but they don’t need them. They depend more on their exceptional sense of touch, using their sensitive snouts to explore the dark tunnels they dig.

These little diggers are like underground bulldozers, able to move over 50 kilograms (about 110 pounds) of soil while creating their tunnel systems. That’s like moving a small human’s worth of soil in their lifetime!

Moles have a special adaptation called a 'fifth digit,' which is like an extra thumb. This helps them grip the soil better as they dig at impressive speeds, sometimes moving up to 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) in just an hour!

While moles munch on delicious insects and worms, some species can also eat small plant roots. Think of them as nature’s version of a mixed grill feast, serving up a little bit of everything!

If you see a pile of dirt on the ground, it may be a mole's work of art called a 'molehill.' These little hills form when moles push soil up from their tunnels to make more space for their underground adventures.

Moles can stay underground for long periods, even up to 10 days, without coming up for air. It's like having a personal underground vacation!

Some moles can swim! They have webbed feet that help them paddle through the water, making them surprisingly good swimmers when they need a quick escape.

In parts of Europe, some cultures celebrate moles as beneficial creatures. Farmers appreciate them for aerating the soil, which allows crops to grow better.

Mole pups are born without fur and depend on their mother for care. They grow up quickly, learning to dig and explore their underground world all by themselves!

Moles can dig through soil that is harder than concrete! Their strong front paws and specially shaped claws allow them to tunnel through even tough surfaces to find food.