Page 50 - Nov/Dec 2021 Outdoor Oklahoma

O K L A H O M A’ S
Watchable Wildlife

the easterN mole

by ry lee rolli Ng, eduCatioN i N terN

The eastern mole, also known as the common mole (Sca- An eastern mole’s tunnel system can range up to three

lopus aquaticus), has the most extensive range throughout the acres, and the burrows are complex with two separate pur-
United States of any species of mole. They can be found east of poses. When the tunnel is directly below the surface, they are
the Rocky Mountains to the East Coast and range from south- temporary tunnels, or feeding tunnels, used to catch prey and

ern Ontario to northern Mexico. “Scalopus” is Greek for blind go above the surface to gather resources. Moles can consume
rat, while the Latin name “aquaticus” means water-dwelling. 60 to 100 percent their body weight every day by foraging

This species of mole averages 6.25 inches long with under the surface for worms, insects, beetles, grubs, and
a 1.25-inch tail, and they have velvet-like fur and large other insects. Once a tunnel is exhausted of food resources,
sharp claws. Moles have large spade-like front feet, used the mole creates more tunnels in search of new food sources.

to maneuver through dirt and Tunnels deep in the ground
burrow deep underground. are used for nesting and sleep-
Moles can consume 60 to
They lack external ears, but ing. Eastern moles are active
100 percent their body
their ear openings are covered year-round and do not hiber-
weight every day by
with a thin layer of skin, allow- nate during winter. Nests are
foraging under the surface
ing them to detect sound and built from vegetation and are
vibrations. Due to their lack of primarily placed deep under-
for worms, insects, beetles,
sight, the common mole relies neath logs or boulders. They
grubs, and other insects.
on smell and touch to navigate, are abundant in areas where soil
identify, and familiarize itself is well-drained and loose. They
with its environment. Primarily located on their thinly point- tend to avoid clay dirt, rocks, and exceedingly wet soils.

ed nose, Eimer’s organs are epidermal sensory organs in the Yards, fields, meadows, and open woodland areas are all
form of bumps surrounded by hairs. These help in detecting common mole habitats.

substances and prey. Eastern moles are abundant throughout Oklahoma. They
The eastern mole is a solitary mammal until mating are not commonly observed, however their tunnels are easily
season. The mating season is from February to March. The identifiable. These creatures get a bad reputation due to their

female gestation period is 45 days, resulting in a litter of tunneling systems commonly found in lawns and gardens.
two to four pups born between mid-April to June. The pups But they have a positive influence on ecosystems by aerating
become independent at about 4 weeks old. the soil and feeding on a wide variety of insects.

48 WATCHABLE WILDLIFE