Mole Talpa europaea)
This nocturnal and practically blind animal is a small creature with a cylindrical shaped body. It spends most of its time underground, digging tunnels with its sharp claws, leaving behind evidence of its presence with the well known molehills.
Conservation status in Norfolk
Moles are still very common in Norfolk, although whether they are increasing or decreasing is currently unclear.
How to help
The People’s Trust for Endangered Species is currently undertaking a nationwide survey to gauge distribution and to monitor population trends. More details on the survey called ‘Molewatch’ can be obtained from the website.
David North
Information on the Mole
How to recognise
The European mole is a small mammal with a body length of between 10-14cm, weighing between 75-120g. They have a cylindrical body covered with dense black fur, a pointed snout, short tail and spade like forelegs with long sharp claws which they use for digging tunnels. The excavated soil is pushed out above ground to form the familiar molehill. The ears of moles are completely covered by their fur as are their small dark eyes.
Where to see
Moles are found throughout Britain but not in Ireland. In Norfolk they are widespread and inhabit any situation where there is sufficiently deep well-drained top soil such as grassland, farmland and deciduous woodland.
When to see
Moles are active all through the year. Very few people ever get to see a live mole because they are so well adapted to subterranean existence and are almost exclusively nocturnal. When they do surface they can be oblivious to human presence. Norfolk observers have witnessed moles chasing each other above ground and one experienced moles burrowing under his feet which caused jerks violent enough to make his whole leg shake!
Did you know?
An 80g mole consumes up to 50g of earthworms per day. As their tunnels are narrow they can’t turn round easily so they stick their short tail up in the air and then use it to feel their way backwards.
Related questions
Surveying mammals - Where do I look for mammals in the wider countryside?
Surveying mammals will often yield varied and plentiful results, as they are likely to be present in all habitats of your chosen survey area. Although most mammals will spend their time in cover, their signs will still be visible: open fields (especially pasture), for example, will be good places to look for mole hills; embankments and railway cuttings may contain rabbit burrows and fox dens; squirrel drays can be seen in trees where a stout branch meets the trunk (magpie nests will be built amongst smaller branches towards the top of the tree); and the footprints and droppings of deer may be obvious along woodland trails.
Shrews are rarely seen alive but are often found dead on pathways and tracks enabling the species to be identified. Cats will kill shrews but almost never eat them. If you are unsure of the shrew's identity, a good photograph and measurements of body and tail length will enable an identification to be made.
Larger deer may dig out root crops, browse foliage or strip bark from young trees; the height at which the two latter activities take place will give an indication of the likely species.