European mole

mammal

Also known as: Talpa europaea

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Last updated

July 15, 2026

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The European mole (Talpa europaea) is a mammal belonging to the family Talpidae, characterized by its adaptation for burrowing and subterranean life. Moles possess cylindrical bodies, short tails, and powerful, stocky limbs with large, spadelike claws for digging. They have poor eyesight but acute hearing and touch, utilizing a highly mobile, piglike muzzle equipped with tactile sensors to navigate and find prey. Their diet primarily consists of earthworms, but also includes other invertebrates, and occasionally small mammals or plant matter. Moles construct complex tunnel systems underground, often creating mounds of soil known as molehills on the surface. They are found across Europe and parts of Asia, inhabiting various temperate environments from sea level to high altitudes.1

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mole
Natural history
The European mole (Talpa europaea) sometimes constructs a huge mound (fortress) of up to 750 kg (1,650 pounds) of soil, and it too contains tunnel networks and storage and nesting chambers. Moles have an acute sense of smell and mark their burrows with urine containing odorous…
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The European mole (Talpa europaea) sometimes constructs a huge mound (fortress) of up to 750 kg (1,650 pounds) of soil, and it too contains tunnel networks and storage and nesting chambers. Moles have an acute sense of smell and mark their burrows with urine containing odorous…
Read More