Why do moles sometimes come to the surface?

Typical moles (family Talpidae) are highly adapted for an underground existence and only infrequently venture to the surface. They typically do so to gather materials for their nests or to seek water during periods of drought.1

It is important to distinguish these from other animals that may be confused with them:

• Shrew moles: Unlike typical moles, these species spend a significant amount of time aboveground, foraging through leaf litter and the top layer of soil.1
• Marsupial moles: While they resemble true moles, these marsupial mammals burrow just beneath the soil surface. Because they do not leave tunnels behind while hunting for food, they often come to the surface for air.2
• Star-nosed moles: While they are "true" moles, they are unique in that they frequently forage along pathways on the surface in addition to their underground and aquatic activities.1

Please note that the term "mole" also refers to a type of pigmented skin lesion in dermatology, which is unrelated to the mammal.3