A small velvety-gray mole with massive shovel-like front paws and tiny eyes (vision is essentially useless underground). Their tunnel systems aerate soil and control white grub populations.

Also called: Common Mole

Native status: Native to eastern and central US

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 14–17 cm (5.5–6.7 in); tail 2.5–3.8 cm
Weight65–140 g (2.3–5.0 oz)
LifespanWild typically 3–6 years
OrderEulipotyphla
FamilyTalpidae

§ Encyclopedia

The eastern mole or common mole is a medium-sized North American mole. It is the only species in the genus Scalopus. It is found in forested and open areas with moist sandy soils in northern Mexico, the eastern United States and the southwestern corner of Ontario in Canada.

Source: Wikipedia — Eastern mole Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Stocky cylindrical body with velvety dark gray fur; flesh-pink shovel-like forepaws turned outward; tiny eyes hidden in fur; no external ears; short hairless tail.

Similar species. Hairy-tailed Mole (small ears visible, hairy tail). Star-nosed Mole (unmistakable nose star). Pocket gophers (different shape, external ears).

Voice. Generally silent; occasional squeaks.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Earthworms (~70% of diet), grubs, insects, occasionally small reptiles and amphibians.

Behavior. Most common mole across eastern and central US. Tunnels are constructed in two layers — shallow surface "feeding tunnels" used for hunting (these are the visible raised ridges in lawns) and deeper permanent "highways" connecting nest chambers to feeding areas. Massive forepaws are turned outward in a swimming-like motion through soil; eyes nearly nonfunctional (covered by skin); cylindrical body allows reversal in burrow without turning around.

§ Range

Eastern and central US

§ Habitat

Loose soils — fields, lawns, woodlands, gardens

§ Threats

Pesticide bioaccumulation from grub prey, lawn-centric obsession with eliminating their tunnels.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the eastern mole is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Tolerate mole tunnels (they signal healthy soil). Skip lawn pesticides. Don't use poison-bait worms.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Society of Mammalogists
  • National Pest Management Association
  • IUCN Red List 2016