Moles are fascinating little creatures that live underground and have many unique characteristics. Despite their small size and hidden lifestyle, they play a crucial role in the ecosystem. Here are 18 surprising facts about moles that will give you a new appreciation for these remarkable animals.
Moles Aren’t Blind
Contrary to popular belief, moles are not blind. While their eyesight is poor and they rely heavily on their other senses, moles can see light and detect movement. Their small eyes are well-protected from dirt and debris as they burrow underground. This limited vision is still enough for them to survive and thrive in their dark tunnels.
Excellent Diggers
Moles are expert diggers, capable of creating extensive tunnel systems. They use their powerful forelimbs and large, paddle-like paws to move soil efficiently. A single mole can dig up to 18 feet of tunnel in an hour, making them incredibly efficient at what they do. This digging not only helps them find food but also creates habitats for other animals.
Insectivores
Moles primarily eat insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. They have a voracious appetite and can consume their body weight in food each day. Their tunneling not only helps them find food but also aerates the soil, benefiting plant roots. This diet makes them important for controlling insect populations.
Sensitive Noses
Moles have highly sensitive noses that help them detect prey. Their sense of smell is so acute that they can locate a single earthworm even in complete darkness. This remarkable olfactory ability is crucial for their survival underground. It allows them to navigate and hunt effectively in their subterranean world.
Solitary Creatures
Moles are generally solitary animals, preferring to live and hunt alone. They are territorial and will defend their tunnels from other moles. The only time they come together is during the breeding season in the spring. This solitary nature helps reduce competition for food resources.
Fast Metabolism
Moles have a high metabolic rate, which requires them to eat frequently. This fast metabolism supports their active lifestyle of constant digging and hunting. If they go without food for too long, they can quickly become weak and die. Their metabolism is adapted to their energetic lifestyle.
Strong Claws
The claws of a mole are specially adapted for digging. They are large, curved, and strong, allowing moles to efficiently move through the soil. These claws also help them grasp and manipulate their prey. Their claws are essential tools for their survival underground.
Velvet-like Fur
Moles have soft, velvety fur that lies flat in any direction. This unique fur texture reduces friction as they move through their tunnels. It also helps keep them clean by shedding dirt easily. Their fur is an adaptation to their burrowing lifestyle.
Can Swim
Despite living primarily underground, moles are good swimmers. They can cross small bodies of water if necessary. This ability helps them escape predators and find new areas to colonize. Swimming adds to their versatility in different environments.
Sensitive to Vibrations
Moles can sense vibrations in the ground, which helps them detect predators and other dangers. They are highly attuned to their environment, using their sensitivity to stay safe while foraging for food. This ability is another key to their survival.
Breeding Season
Moles breed once a year, typically in the spring. After a gestation period of about a month, female moles give birth to a litter of three to five young. The babies grow quickly and are ready to fend for themselves within a few weeks. This rapid development ensures the survival of their offspring.
Lifespan
Moles typically live for about three years in the wild. Their lifespan can be shortened by predators, diseases, and harsh environmental conditions. Despite these challenges, moles are well-adapted to their subterranean lifestyle. Their ability to thrive underground helps them avoid many dangers.
Unique Teeth
Moles have sharp, pointed teeth that are ideal for catching and eating insects. Their teeth are constantly growing, which helps them maintain a functional set despite the wear and tear of their diet. Their teeth are perfectly adapted to their insectivorous diet.
Help Control Pests
By eating insects and larvae, moles help control pest populations. This natural pest control can benefit gardeners and farmers, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Their presence can be a sign of a healthy ecosystem.
Create Molehills
The soil moles remove from their tunnels is pushed to the surface, creating molehills. These mounds of earth can be a sign of an active mole below ground. While they might be considered a nuisance, molehills are evidence of the mole’s beneficial activities. They help aerate the soil, improving its quality.
Adapted for Low Oxygen
Living underground, moles are adapted to low oxygen environments. They have more red blood cells than other mammals their size, allowing them to efficiently use the available oxygen in their tunnels. This adaptation is crucial for their underground lifestyle.
Keystone Species
Moles are considered a keystone species in their ecosystems. Their burrowing activities help aerate the soil, promote healthy plant growth, and provide habitats for other animals. They play a critical role in maintaining the balance of their environment. Their presence benefits many other species.
Misunderstood Creatures
Moles are often misunderstood and unfairly maligned. While their tunneling can disrupt gardens, they provide many ecological benefits. By understanding and appreciating moles, we can learn to coexist with these remarkable creatures. They are essential for a healthy ecosystem.
Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
