Moles

Moles are plentiful throughout the Laurel Lake area. The common mole is a resident of the Eastern, Southern, and Mid-Western UnitedStates.

Moles are great and efficient diggers. They have adaptationsthat allow them to excavate. The mole has a pointed nose anda wedge shaped head. The mole's front paws are turned outward and havetoes with long nails. The front legs act like shovels. The hindlegs are short and powerful. The mole lives most of his lifeunderground. Moles do come out of their holes during the night.

Moles are almost totally blind. Its home can be identified by the mound of earth above it. This mound is quite a bit larger thanthe mound left when the mole is searching for food.

Mole fur has been used to make jackets and coats. The bluish-gray color fur is what furriers prefer to use forthese garments.

The mole is 5 to 8 inches in length including a 1 inchtail. The mole weighs between 1.5 and 5 ounces. Most commonmoles nest about 1 foot underground.

Moles reproduce once per year. Females give birth to 3 to 5 offspring per litter.