MAMMALS: MOLES

Eastern Mole, Scalopus aquaticus

Family Talpidae (True Moles)

Size: 6" long with tail

Range: Far eastern Colorado

Habitat: A variety, including fields, woodlands, lawns, and areas with dry, loose soils

Also known as the common mole, the eastern mole is a small, stocky, sturdy mammal with a body well designed for life underground. It is elongate and tube-shaped, with narrow hips, a pointed, fleshy snout, and a short tail. Its fur is short, velvety, deep gray-brown above and slightly paler below. Its eyes are tiny and covered by skin, and its ears are invisible beneath its fur. Eastern moles build tunnels, which they dig with their broad, spadelike forelimbs and long, thick claws. They forage within the tunnels for earthworms, insects, and some plants. Eastern moles are responsible for creating conspicuous dirt mounds at the entrances to their tunnels.