wild florida ecotravel guide
Gators Crocs Birds Mammals snakes turtles frogs Lizards insects fish plants sharks
florida wildlife
favorite activities
florida destinations

 

 

 


Eastern Mole

Eastern Mole in the ground Florida

Scalopus aquaticus                                            Photo Fiona Sunquist ©

Moles are anatomically specialized for life underground. They have powerful forelimbs equipped with broad shovel-like front feet and large digging claws. The body is covered with short velvety fur and the short naked tail functions as an important tactile organ. The eyelids of their tiny eyes are sealed shut.

Eastern Mole front foot Florida

                                                                        Photo Fiona Sunquist ©

Moles dig two different types of tunnels. The most commonly seen are the temporary foraging tunnels which are just below the surface – these look like a slightly pushed up ridge in the surface of the ground. The other type of tunnel is deeper and more permanent, marked by occasional mounds of excess dirt.

Moles have a high metabolic rate and need to eat large quantities of earthworms and insects every day.

 

top of page | back to mammals

Wildlife of Florida 2011
Wildlife of Florida 2011
Fiona Sunquist
Download $19.99
Support independent publishing: Buy this e-book on Lulu.

Lizards book cover
Wildlife of Florida: Lizards
Fiona Sunquist
Download $2.49
Support independent publishing: Buy this e-book on Lulu.

Your Ad Here

 

gator/crocs | birds | mammals | snakes | turtles | frogs/toads | lizards | sharks

Wildlife | Favorite Activities | My Destinations | about us | resources | site map | home

contribute templates web site development by Creative Communications