What Does a Mole Look Like

Moles are small animals that live in our yards and gardens, but many of us seem to be unaware of what they look like. This article takes a closer look at the physical characteristics of moles, so you can easily identify them in your garden or lawn.

The Body and Feet of a Mole

Moles are insectivores, meaning they live on a diet mostly composed of insects and worms. They spend most of their time burrowing underground, and although they aren’t the fastest creatures on land, they are extremely adept burrowers.

Moles appear like a combination of a rat and a gopher. They have long, pointed snouts and hairless, cylindrical bodies that are 2 to 8 inches long, depending on the species. Moles also have five legs and four front paws used for digging. The front paws are specially adapted for digging, with long claws and furred membranes used as shovels.

The Fur and Color of a Mole

Moles are born with soft and light-colored fur, and as they get older, their fur darkens. The colors of a mole’s fur can range from light gray, to brown, to black. Moles have short and dense fur that is mostly waterproof, which is invaluable for their underground lifestyle.

Moles also have tiny eyes and ears that are often covered by their fur, making them very poor eyesight and hearing creatures. However, their strong sense of touch more than makes up for their poor eyesight and hearing by helping them to find their food and sense danger.

The Ears and Tail of a Mole

Moles have short, bald tails that are usually a couple of inches long. They often use their tail to help brace themselves while they are digging, and it also serves as an important communication tool when they are interacting with other moles.

Although their ears are covered by fur, they are quite sensitive and they can help moles to detect sound vibrations from nearby predators.

Conclusion

Moles are small creatures, usually measuring 2 – 8 inches long. They have long snouts, five legs and four specially adapted front paws for digging. They typically have short and dense fur, which ranges in color from light gray to black. Moles have poor eyesight and hearing, but their strong sense of smell and touch more than make up for it. They also have short, bald tails, which they use to brace themselves while they are digging, as well as to communicate with other moles.