Western counterpart to eastern mole.

Also called: Western Mole, Coast Mole

Native status: Native to Pacific Coast

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 14–20 cm; tail 3–5 cm
Weight40–100 g
LifespanWild 3–4 years
OrderEulipotyphla
FamilyTalpidae

§ Encyclopedia

The northern broad-footed mole is a species of mammal in the family Talpidae. It is endemic to the United States, where it is found in northern California, Nevada and Oregon at elevations up to 9,800 feet (3,000 m) above sea level.

Source: Wikipedia — Northern broad-footed mole Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium dark gray-brown mole; shovel-like front paws.

Similar species. Townsend's Mole (larger). Eastern Mole (different range).

Voice. Generally silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Earthworms, insects.

Behavior. Pacific Coast mole. Smaller than Townsend's Mole.

§ Range

Pacific Coast

§ Habitat

Diverse soils

§ Threats

Habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

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

§ What helps

Tolerate mole tunnels.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Society of Mammalogists
  • IUCN Red List 2016