Moles are a type of insectivore and are related to shrews. Despite their appearance, they are not rodents. Moles are solitary animals that come together only for breeding. They live for about 3 to 4 years and are busiest during the rainy parts of summer, when they are gathering food. There are 3 species of moles in Pennsylvania: the eastern mole, the hairy-tailed mole, and the star-nosed mole.
| Appearance | Moles have hairless, pointy snouts, small eyes, and large forefeet that help with digging. Their fur is soft, short, and velvety. |
| Length | About 6 inches |
| Weight | About 2.5 ounces |
| Habitat | Moles like to live in well-drained, loose soil, in clear areas like meadows, pastures, open fields, and thinly wooded areas. |
| Food | Grubs, beetles, beetle larvae, and worms |
| Predators | Domestic dogs and cats, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, hawks, and owls |
| Location in Pennsylvania | Statewide |
| Extra facts | Because moles have a high metabolism, they eat 70-100% of their body weight every day. |
Complaints
Moles dig just below the soil surface and leave underground burrows and breathing holes throughout people’s yards and golf courses. They can destroy well-manicured grasses.
Solutions
Lethal mole traps of various styles are the most efficient means to remove moles.
To learn more about moles, you can check out PSU’s article and this article.