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Introduction
Moles are the creatures of nightmares—or at least, they certainly look the part. Need proof? Just check out a video of one in action. Their extraterrestrial appearance is matched only by their bizarre habits and way of life. It’s not an exaggeration to say that they may be among the most peculiar creatures on Earth, rivaled only by deep-sea oddities and the ever-baffling platypus.
Moles are found on every continent except South America and Antarctica. In the U.S., their burrowed tunnels have become an all-too-familiar sight, leaving lawns lumpy and uneven. But despite the telltale signs of their presence, how often have you actually seen a mole in the wild?
The answer is probably never. If you’ve been lucky (or unlucky) enough to spot one, you might want to buy a lottery ticket. While moles do occasionally poke their heads out from their burrows, it’s only for a fleeting moment. These creatures are incredibly ill-adapted for life above ground, making their dark, subterranean tunnels their true domain.
However, much of what we think we know about moles is often misunderstood. Let’s dig into some of the most bizarre (and not-so-fun) facts about these elusive little creatures:
Fascinating Facts About Moles
1. Their diet consists almost entirely of insects—earthworms, snails, and slugs being their favorites. So no, despite common belief, moles don’t actually eat dirt. In fact, before consuming an earthworm, they will use their paws to squeeze the dirt out—which suggests they don’t care for the taste of soil.
2. As mammals, they give birth to live young, nurse them, have hair, and possess a neocortex, a part of the brain associated with higher-order functions.
Conclusion
Moles may be elusive, but their impact on the ecosystem is undeniable. While their burrowing can be a nuisance to homeowners, these little diggers also play a vital role in keeping insect populations in check and improving soil health. And as for eating dirt? They’d rather pass.
Love them or loathe them, moles remain one of nature’s most fascinating underground engineers.
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