Moles

Moles are cylindrical mammals that are primarily underground burrowers. The name comes from a conjugation of a German word for dirt and a Danish word for throwing, so they are named “dirt throwers” or ones who throw dirt.

Identification

• Moles have velvety fur

• Tiny or invisible ears and eyes

• Short, powerful legs and arms with large paws for digging

• Extra thumb on each hand

Environment

• Moles can survive in low-level oxygen environments, such as underground burrows, by reusing oxygen inhaled above ground

• Eat earthworms and other insects found in soil (totaling about half their body weight each day)

• Saliva contains a toxin that paralyzes worms to store them for later consumption

• Construct underground “larders” to store paralyzed worms until ready to eat
  Have 1 to 2 young per year, which rapidly grow into adults in only a few short months

Threats

• Mole burrowing can destroy root systems, causing damage to grass and turf or plants

Treatment

• Consists of trapping or baiting the runs

• Find the feeding tunnels vs the travel tunnels