Eastern mole

The eastern mole, known scientifically as Scalopus aquaticus, is a medium-sized mammal. It is a unique animal because it is the only species in its genus, Scalopus. These moles are native to North America. They live in many different environments, including forested and open areas.

They are most successful in locations with moist, sandy soils. You can find them in northern Mexico and the eastern United States. They also live in the southwestern corner of Ontario, Canada.

To survive underground, the eastern mole has many specialized physical features. Its front paws are very broad and spade-shaped. These paws act like tools for digging through the earth. The mole has a pointed nose and a short tail. Its fur is grey-brown on top with silver-grey underparts.

Interestingly, the mole's eyes are covered by fur. Its ears are also not visible to the eye. To help it process food, the mole has 36 teeth.

Most of the mole's life happens beneath the surface. It spends most of its time foraging in shallow burrows. This underground lifestyle allows it to find a variety of food sources. The mole eats earthworms, grubs, and beetles. It also consumes insect larvae and various types of plant matter.

Because they live in burrows, they are often solitary animals. They prefer to live alone, except during the mating season in early spring. During this time, a female will have a litter of two to five young in a deep burrow.

Scientists categorize these animals into different subspecies based on where they live. The most common type is S. a. aquaticus. This subspecies lives across the mainland of the United States and Canada. Other subspecies exist in much smaller, isolated areas.

For example, the Anastasia Island mole lives on a small island off St. Augustine, Florida. The Englewood mole is found in and around Englewood, Florida. Finally, the Presidia mole lives near the Rio Grande between the Cibolo and Alamito Creeks.

Habitat requirements are very strict for the eastern mole. They prefer soils that are soft, sandy, or muddy. This specific preference means they often avoid areas with heavy clay or gravel.

In Canada, their habitat is quite limited. They are restricted to about 2,600 acres in southern Ontario. Most of these moles are found within Essex and Kent Counties. This shows how specific environmental conditions must be for them to thrive.

Even though they live underground, moles are not always safe from predators. When they exit their burrows, they can be spotted by many different animals.

Mammals like red foxes, gray foxes, and coyotes may hunt them. Domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, can also be a threat. Birds are also common predators for the mole. Red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered hawks, and broad-winged hawks may catch them. Different types of owls, including eastern screech-owls, barred owls, and barn owls, also hunt them.

Understanding the eastern mole helps us see how animals fit into their ecosystems. Their digging and feeding habits connect them to the soil and the insects that live there.

They are a key part of the North American food web. By studying their specific needs, such as sandy soil and moisture, we learn more about how different species depend on their environment. Their presence in specific places, like the 2,600 acres in Ontario, helps scientists track the health of those habitats.