Delta Journal
by Bob Thomas

What burrows beneath the earth, eats worms, and has fur softer than a mink? The answer is one of our most interesting, yet seldom seen, mammals - the eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus). Since they spend ninety-nine and forty four one-hundredths per cent of their time under ground, moles have a number of unique adaptations that allow them to exploit their peculiar habitat. Their eyes are essentially non-existent, being reduced to mere light sensors. External ears are absent and the tail, often a stabilizing organ in terrestrial animals, is greatly reduced in size. The most incredible features, however, are the modified front limbs and paws. Everything about them says “dig”. The limbs are shortened for greater leverage, the bones of the fore paws are fused for strength and the palms are turned out and toes are webbed like little shovels, the arm bones are flatted and the breast bone extends forward and has a keel for broad muscle attachment.

Moles spend most of their time in rather permanent burrows situated about a foot beneath the surface. They construct an occasional vertical chimney that is topped by a mound of soil. A nest of plant material is packed into an enlarged chamber where the female cares for her young. When soil is moist, moles tunnel near the surface, pushing up the soil as they search for worms, centipedes, pillbugs and slugs. These tunnels often frustrate those who cherish a smooth lawn or golf course, since they appears as little covered passageways snaking about the turf!