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The average mole is about the size of a chipmunk, the exception being the shrew mole that is approximately the size of a small mouse. They are found to weigh anywhere from ¼ ounce to 6 ounces. The mole has very small eyes and ears, both of which are hidden in its fur and have limited sensitivity. It is believed the mole can detect the presence or lack of light but that it cannot see. It is also believed that most moles, except the Star-nosed mole that has excellent hearing, may only be able to detect vibrations with its undeveloped ears. As a result of these two sensory "blindness’s", the average mole has highly developed senses of smell and touch. The forefeet of the mole are proportionally very large to the rest of the body; its palms are typically wider than they are long with webbed digits tipped with claws. The hind feet of the mole are small, narrow, and clawed.
- North America is home to seven species of mole:
- Eastern mole, Scalopus aquaticus, is the most common American mole. It has thick fur that can vary from silver to black to copper in its coloring and has a short, hairless, rounded tail. The eastern mole will grow to between 4.5-inches and 6.5-inches long and have an average weight of approximately 2.6 ounces.
- Hairy-tailed mole, Parascalops breweri, has thick, gray-black to black fur, a long red-tipped snout, and a thick fleshy tail. The hairy-tailed mole does not have webbed toes. It will grow to between 5-inches and 7-inches long and have an average weight of approximately 2.2 ounces.
- Star-nosed mole, Condylura cristata, has been so named due to the short, fleshy, highly sensitive tentacles that extend from its hairless nose. This mole has short, coarse, dark brown to black fur and a short tail that will enlarge 3 to 4 times its normal size in the winter. The star-nosed mole will grow to between 6.75-inches and 8-inches long and weight between 1.25 ounces and 2.75 ounces.
- Broad-footed mole, Scapanus latimanus. The broad-footed mole is covered from tip of nose to tip of tail with dark brown to silver-gray fur. It will grow to between 5.5-inches and 7.75-inches long and have an average weight of approximately 1.5 ounces.
- Townsend’s mole, Scapanus townsendii, the largest mole in North America, is found with short, purple-gray to black fur that will typically have a metallic sheen. The Townsend’s mole will grow to between 7-inches and 9.25-inches long and have an average weight of approximately 4.5 ounces.
- Coast mole, Scapanus orarius, is found with soft dark gray fur and a nearly bald tail. The coast mole will grow to between 5.5-inches and 7.5-inches long and weight between 2 ounces and 3.25 ounces.
- Shrew mole, Neurotrichus gibbsii, is found with black or blue-black fur and has a wide tail that is typically half the length of the body. The shrew mole is the smallest of the North American genera; it will grow to between 3-inches and 5-inches long and weight between .25 ounces and .5 ounces.
The locations where these particular moles live can be found on our Mole Geography page.
- Acknowledgment:
- Henderson, F. Robert., 1994. Moles: Prevention and control of wildlife damage. Extension Specialist — Animal Damage Control. Kansas State University
- University of Michigan Museum of Zoology - Animal Diversity Web
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