EASTERN MOLE

Photo by Bob Gress

Eastern Mole
Scalopus aquaticus

Measurements:
Total Length: 5.4-7.5 inches
Tail Length: 0.8-1.5 inches
Weight: 1.9-3.5 ounces

• Comments:   Eastern moles spend nearly 100 percent of their time living underground. They are well suited to this lifestyle, having a streamlined body, partially webbed forefeet, a sensitive snout and small ears. Their poorly developed eyes can only distinguish between light and dark. They forage near the top of moist, loamy and sandy soil forming surface ridges. One litter of 3-4 young is born in April or May. Their maximum lifespan is 4 years.
• Distribution:   Eastern moles range over the eastern half of the United States. They are found throughout Kansas.
• Food:   They feed mainly on earthworms and insect larvae.

Other Kansas Insectivores:  LEAST SHREW

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