Moles are very well adapted to a life of burrowing under ground. They have forelimbs that are sickle-shaped to make efficient digging spades. The hands of the forelimbs are permanently turned outwards and the five fingers of each hand have long and strong claws that are very good for moving earth out of the way.
There are 29 species of moles worldwide and they only live in Europe, Asia and North America. There are no moles south of the Equator. They have heavy and thick set bodies, long and naked snouts and powerful legs. Because they spend much of their time underground in the dark, they do not need to see well and their sight has become very poor. Their snout is a very sensitive organ however, and moles have a well developed sense of smell and touch.
Moles rarely come to the surface and they eat animals that also live under ground and in the soil – such as earthworms and insects, slugs and insect larvae.
There are 29 species of moles worldwide and they only live in Europe, Asia and North America. There are no moles south of the Equator. They have heavy and thick set bodies, long and naked snouts and powerful legs. Because they spend much of their time underground in the dark, they do not need to see well and their sight has become very poor. Their snout is a very sensitive organ however, and moles have a well developed sense of smell and touch.
Moles rarely come to the surface and they eat animals that also live under ground and in the soil – such as earthworms and insects, slugs and insect larvae.