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MOLE
Other Names: Eastern Mole, Star-Nosed Mole, Coast Mole, Townsend's Mole
The most noted characteristic of a mole is probably its webbed feet that are used like paddles to swim through the soil. It is this "swimming" motion that can sometimes inadvertently damage the roots of crops, plants and other shrubbery when they get too close to the surface. | | Description of the Mole | | | Most Common: | Eastern Mole | Color: | Gray to silvery gray | Weight: | 3 to 6 ounces | Length: | 5-8 inches | Tail Length: | 1 inch | Body: | Short, thick body with velvety fur; pointed snout; front feet enlarged & rounded with sharp claws | Ears: | Very small & are concealed in fur | Eyes: | Very small & are concealed in fur | Lifespan: | 3 years | | | | | Reproduction of the Mole
| Litter Size: | 2-5 per litter | No. of Litters: | 1 litter per year | Sexual Maturity: | 6-12 months | Gestation Period: | 5-6 weeks | Breeding Season: | Outdoors: Spring |
| Diet of the Mole | | | |  | Daily Amount: | 70 -100% of its bodyweight each day | Daily Water: | Utilizes moisture in food | Food Preferences: | Worms, grubs, beetles, other insects
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| | | | Habitat of the Mole | Geography: | There are 7 different species of Mole located throughout the US | Nest Location: | Outdoors: Underground runways just below the surface & in deep tunnels up to 12 inches below the surface; attracted to moist, shady lawns, parks, orchards | Home Range: | Up to 1 acre | Active Periods: | Night and day | | | | |
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