Page 92 - AG 7-2011 Revised 2016
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Mole
Photo Courtesy of Bell Labs
Life Cycle MOLE
Moles only have one litter per year, with about 2-5 young in each litter.
They are usually born in March or April every year. Moles stay in the
nest for about five weeks. They are active year-round.
Photo Courtesy of Bell Labs
Moles have a head and body about 5-6 inches long, with a short tail of about 1 ½ inch. They
have broad front feet for digging, and a characteristic naked nose that points upward. They
have dark brown to black fur, with only a little fur on the tail. California moles prefer porous
soils such as agricultural fields, and meadows in the mountains. They rarely come above
ground, remaining in their tunnels and eating earthworms and other insects. They can create
an extensive network of adjoining tunnels. Tunnels are about two inches in diameter, and are
formed about a foot below the surface. Moles have a voracious appetite, and need to have
a source of water. While they can damage lawns or gardens, they are usually considered
beneficial. The main problem is their burrowing nature creates mounds and may dry out plant
roots, killing crops.
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