Killing Moles - Mole Control - Kill Mole
Mole Physical
Traits
Mole Paws
The most defining physical characteristic of
the mole is its forepaws. They are usually about
the size of a nickel and appear disproportionately
large compared to the rest of the body. All species
of moles have sharp nails and, except for the
American Shrew-mole, webbed paws. This equipment
makes them exceptionally efficient at digging
their trademark tunnels.
When tunneling, the mole will scrape away dirt
with its front paws. In a swimming-like motion,
it brushes the dirt within reach of the hind legs.
The mole will then "kick" away the
dirt to keep its working area clean. After the
mole has excavated a sufficient amount of dirt,
it will turn around in the tunnel (some studies
report observing moles doing a somersault) and
push the dirt up to the surface, creating a mole
hill.
Mole Fur
The coat of a mole is so incredibly dense that
it keeps out water and dirt. Because their fur
points straight up, moles can move forward or
backward within their tunnels without rubbing
their fur the wrong way and trapping soil in their
coats. In addition, mole hair does not taper down
at the end like that of a human. It is widest
in the middle of the strand and thinnest on either
end. This protective feature also contributes
to keeping the coat free of dirt and water.
In less politically correct times, mole skin
was highly prized for its softness and durability.
The coats were used for anything from vests to
ballerina slippers.
Mole Nose
With the exception of the Star-nosed Mole, snouts
are long and pointed, somewhat resembling that
of a pig. They are the most sensitive part of
the mole and provide it with most of its sensory
information. Some biologists even believe that
certain moles have very small electrical and magnetic
sensors in their nose which enable them to navigate
in their dark little world.
Mole Eyes
The eyes of a mole are very tiny and, in the
opinion of most experts, serve only a limited
function. They are comprised of a thin membrane
around the snout which enables them to sense light
and little else. There is no evidence to suggest
moles use them to locate their prey or to navigate.
Mole Tail
Tails vary depending on the breed of mole. For
Eastern, Coast, and Townsend moles, tails are
usually short and almost hairless. Star-nosed,
Broad-footed, American Shrew and Hairy-tailed
moles have tails that are typically longer and
covered with hair. Tails serve to provide additional
sensory input, but do not provide substantial
utility to the mole. |
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Physical Traits
