Family: Talpidae, Moles view all from this family

Description Short, velvety fur; gray in northern parts of range, brownish or tan in southern and western parts. Forefeet broader than long, with palms turned out; toes slightly webbed. Tail very short and nearly naked. Snout long, flexible, and naked. No visible eyes. L 3 1/4–8 3/4" (82–223 mm); T 3/4–1 1/4" (18–38 mm); HF 5/8–1 1/8" (15–29 mm); Wt 3–5 oz (82–140 g).

Similar Species Hairy-tailed Mole has short, hairy tail.

Breeding Mates February–March. 1 litter of 2–5 young born after gestation of 30–42 days.

Habitat Open fields, waste areas, lawns, gardens, and sometimes woods, in well-drained loose soil.

Range Most of e U.S. from s Minnesota, extreme se Wyoming, Kansas, and c Texas east to Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

Discussion The Eastern Mole spends nearly all of its time underground, becoming most active at dawn or dusk. It feeds mainly on earthworms, but also eats larvae and adults of many kinds of insects and other invertebrates. The Latin species name aquaticus was given because the first North American individual described in records was found drowned in a well and presumed—in error—to be aquatic. Ironically, this is the least likely of North American moles to live in moist conditions. The forefeet spade alternately, shoving earth under the body, which the hindfeet then push behind into the tunnel. Nests are underground, usually beneath a log, stump, or boulder; Florida individuals do not build nests. In winter, this mole inhabits deeper burrows.