Mole

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eNature.com

Moles - Mating

Moles make an exception to their solitary way of life during mating season, which runs from February to April. Breeding takes place in late March or early April. Males search for females by letting out high-pitched squeals and tunneling through foreign areas. Moles reach sexual maturity between 6-12 months. Blind and hairless at birth, they are covered with light fur in 10 days.

Gestation period - 42 days

Litter size - 3-5 pups per year

Moles - Raising Pups

Once the young are born, they are helpless and have to remain for about a month in one of the deep nest chambers of the tunnel system. However, the pups grow and develop rapidly and at the age of three months, they are as big as their parents are. Very soon, they are able to take over old tunnel systems or establish new ones of their own. Scent glands are used for communication between mothers and their pups, as well as between male and female moles during the mating season.

Moles - Life Cycle

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eNature.com

Moles are highly active and hard-working animals. They work day and night to feed themselves and provide habitat for themselves. Moles reach the top activity level in spring and fall on cloudy days. The burrow of the mole comprises a number of entrances and "rooms." Moles make their tunnels around 10 feet deep. Tunnel system provides various schemes of escape for the animal, while lower units of the complex structure are usually resting places for the mole family.

Moles do not hibernate. Active all year long, they are capable of traveling under snow and ice. Moles are principal aerators and mixers of the soil.

Moles - General Information Links

Animal Control Products - General information on moles, damage and damage identification.

Animal Diversity Web - Chrysochloridae Family - Explore the natural history of the golden mole, an insectivore native to southern Africa.

Animal Diversity Web - Talpidae Family - Get the basic habitat and behavior facts for moles and desmans. Covers their physical characteristics.

California Wildlife - The broad-footed mole, its distribution, specific habitat requirements and life history.

Common Mole Myths - Page discredits myths on moles by giving true arguments.

Scalopus Aquaticus - Contains description, range, habitat, and reproduction information on eastern mole.

Eastern Moles - Site educates on eastern moles, their reproduction and life cycle.

General Information - Brief information on moles and links.

Mole biology - The Moleman's write-up of mole biology and behavior, with lots of information and detail.

Moles - Pictures

Photo courtesy of
eNature.com

Mole Info - Description, habits and management.

Moles and Mole Biology - Amazing characteristics, tunnels and behavior of moles.

The Mole - Species description, including physical characteristics, geographical distribution, habitat and more.

Moles and Voles - Read this critter profile and learn the difference between a vole, a mole and a mouse. Pictures.

MSN Encarta - Mole - Describes the physical traits and burrowing habits of the small, insect-eating mammal.

The Mammal Society - Useful and interesting information on general ecology, and conservation of moles. FAQs.

Oregon's Small Mammals - Contains outlines of a number of small mammals including moles.

Roles for Moles - Interesting description and mole facts.

The Life of a Ground Mole - Characteristics, life style, feeding habits of moles and more.

The Mole Place - Website dedicated to moles. Contains pictures, some well-known moles and some photos of real moles. Links.

The Mole Tunnel - Photos, information and links to the biology, distribution and natural history of moles, and their researchers.

Moles - Reproduction-General Information

Moles - Mating

Moles - Raising Pups

Moles - Life Cycle

Moles - General Information Links