Moles are small mammals that are known for digging tunnels. There are more than 40 species, or types, of mole. They can be found in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Most moles are built for digging. Their bodies are cylindrical, or tube-shaped, and they generally have short tails. They range in length from about 1.2 inches (3 centimeters) to almost 9 inches (22.5 centimeters) without their tails. The head is flat and pointed, and the nose is long and piglike. The eyes are tiny and covered with hair or skin, so moles can only see light and dark. They have hairs on their noses and tails that are very sensitive. These help to guide them through the darkness. Moles have short front legs with wide, flat feet. The feet have five toes, each with a long, sharp claw.

Moles make tunnels by “swimming” through the soil. They push their feet forward and then out to the side, moving the dirt back. Moles may make two types of tunnels. Tunnels just under the ground are for feeding and resting. Some moles also dig deeper tunnels about 10 feet (3 meters) underground. These lead to the mole’s home. In digging these deep tunnels, moles push up the dirt, making little hills above ground called molehills.

Some moles spend time aboveground or in water. These include shrew moles and moles called desmans.

Moles have big appetites. Most moles eat earthworms, insects, and other foods that they find while traveling through their tunnels.

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