Eastern Mole
Scalopus aquaticus
The Eastern Mole is a native underground mammal recognized by raised tunnels and powerful front feet built for digging.
The Eastern Mole is a native underground mammal recognized by raised tunnels and powerful front feet built for digging.
A cylindrical gray-brown mammal with velvety fur, tiny hidden eyes and ears, a pointed pink snout, short tail, and broad outward-facing front feet.
Lives underground and pushes soil aside while creating feeding tunnels. It remains active through the year and often works after rain softens the ground.
Not aggressive toward people. Avoid handling and keep pets from digging into active tunnels.
Nuisance wildlife control must follow Florida and local requirements. Use targeted legal methods and avoid poisons that threaten pets or other wildlife.
Habitat:
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Agricultural Areas, Urban and Residential Areas
Area / Range:
Statewide
Diet:
Earthworms, beetle larvae, ants, crickets, and other soil invertebrates, with only limited plant material.
Behavior:
Lives underground and pushes soil aside while creating feeding tunnels. It remains active through the year and often works after rain softens the ground.
Daytime, Nighttime
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Rarely seen above ground; fresh ridges appear after rain in moist lawns and loose soil
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Least Concern
Safety Level:
Safe to Observe
Safety Information:
Not aggressive toward people. Avoid handling and keep pets from digging into active tunnels.
Benefits to Property:
Aerates soil and consumes many grubs and other underground insects.
Property Concerns:
Surface tunnels and soil mounds may disrupt turf roots, irrigation edges, and smooth lawn appearance. Manage soil insects and compact vulnerable areas before trapping.
Fun Fact:
Its fur lies in any direction, allowing the mole to move forward or backward through tight tunnels.
Wildlife Laws:
Nuisance wildlife control must follow Florida and local requirements. Use targeted legal methods and avoid poisons that threaten pets or other wildlife.
Identification:
A cylindrical gray-brown mammal with velvety fur, tiny hidden eyes and ears, a pointed pink snout, short tail, and broad outward-facing front feet.