Eastern Mole

Mrs. Manbeck
Manbeck’s Class
2017-2018
 Eastern Moles

Eastern moles prefer fields, meadows, pastures,

and open woodland. They are not found in stony or

gravelly soils or in clay, instead they like moist, sandy,

and loamy soils that are not too wet nor too dry. Most

moles including the Eastern mole have soft, silky,

dense fur. They have short front limbs. Also their

webbed feet are very large with strong claws for

digging tunnels. They have long snout and short tail,

with minimal fur.

 Forearms for Safety
The forearms are the driving force to this dirt crazed creature. Moles are able to tear through the
soil using their long webbed claws on the front of their feet. They are able to dig two different types of
holes for several reasons. The first reason they burrow down into the earth is to find shelter. This survival
instinct helps them to escape from predators. But escaping from predators are not a priority on the mind of
a mole.
 Burrowing for Family
Another reason that moles burrow into the earth is to find a mate to start a family. The male mole
will dig this tunnel twice as large as a normal tunnel. There the mole family will grow.
Nosing for Food
FOOD, is what's necessary to sustain life.
With their nose they can tell what direction their
prey lay waiting. Without those web claws the
prey determined mole would not be moving
toward dinner. The nose knows what it wants
and it will guide the little mole in whatever
direction the scent comes from. Unfortunately,
the moles get very little help from sight. The
only purpose for their eyes is to tell the
difference in light. This is of little help
underground. It may come in handy when they
surface but that is extremely rare.
 Conclusion
In conclusion eastern moles are amazing creatures despite their inability to see well. The
combination of their nose and strong forearms help them to seek and locate prey, find a date night for date
night, or create a shelter. Moles are limited to 3 of the 5 senses but that does not hold them back from
living a great life. Many humans think that moles are peskie creatures but I think that they are extremely
interesting because they don’t use all 5 senses to survive.
 Works Cited

Makar, Barbara W. Mole. Educators Pub. Service, 2008.

Status Report on Endangered Wildlife in Canada: Eastern Mole. Committee on the

Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, 1980.

Web, Animal Diversity. “Critter Catalog.” BioKIDS - Kids' Inquiry of Diverse

Species, Scalopus Aquaticus, Eastern Mole: INFORMATION,

www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Scalopus_aquaticus/.