Are moles harmful animals?
If you have ever encountered an unsettling mound of dirt in your backyard, it is likely that a mole was responsible for it! While these creatures are rarely seen scurrying around, their presence can still be felt. If you’re wondering if moles are harmful animals—read on to find out!
What are moles?
Moles, small burrowing mammals found throughout most of the world, are commonly disliked due to the disruptive effects their underground tunnels can have on lawns and gardens.
They are often mistakenly assumed to be harmful animals that cause damage or spread disease. Although moles can be nuisances for gardeners, in most cases they are harmless and actually provide beneficial services in the ecosystem.
It’s important to take a step back from focusing on their designated pest status and learn more about their behavior and impact in order to coexist with them in a responsible manner.
Physical Characteristics Of Moles
Moles belong to the family Talpidae and are found on nearly every continent in the world, except for Antarctica. They can be identified by several physical characteristics, including short snouts, small eyes, and ears that are covered by fur.
Moles range in size from 3 to 6 inches long, and some species of moles weigh up to 1/3 of a pound. Moles also have a tubular body shape with velvety fur that is black or dark brown in color. Moles have large, powerful front feet and five claws on each foot which they use while digging their burrows or tunnels under the soil.
Moles inhabit grasslands, woodlands, and marshy areas where they build extensive tunnel systems. These tunnels can be up to 16 feet long and can reach a depth of 3 feet beneath the ground surface. Moles feed primarily on earthworms but will also consume grubs and other insects as well as roots, bulbs, and seeds from plants such as grasses or root vegetables like potatoes.
Although moles can occasionally cause problems for gardeners due to their digging activities, they are generally not considered harmful animals as they do not individually cause large-scale damage as other pests or animals can.
Mole Behaviour
Moles are solitary, burrowing animals that can cause significant damage to your garden or landscape. Though they can be beneficial by aerating the soil and reducing the population of unwanted pests, their excavations can destroy the appearance of a well-manicured lawn.
To best protect your property from moles, it is important to understand their behavior and how to manage them properly.