European Mole

European Mole is a species common in Europe across various types of habitat including those intensively used by man. The limiting factors of its presence are soil deep enough to allow tunnelling and abundant presence of invertebrate prey.

Moles spend most of their lives in a system of tunnels. The spade-like forepaws adapted to digging as well as the well-developed sense of smell and restrained sight are signs of adaptation to life underground.

Moles live solitary and both sexes rigorously defend their territories. Only during the breeding season males are digging prolonged tunnels to connect with the females. The youngs are born naked and blind and they stay with mother up to a month of age, when they disperse. The dispersal takes place above ground, which is for the moles extremely dangerous. While searching for the new place to live, the moles are able to cross even streams and water bodies, since they are, contrary to expectations, great swimmers.