Most of the 29 species of mole are adapted to an underground life, and the European mole is no exception.

Life span
Up to three years.

Statistics
Body length: 9-16.5cm, Weight: 72-128g.

Physical description
European moles have black, velvety fur and a rounded body. Their front limbs are spade-like with sharp claws, and their hind limbs are small and underdeveloped. They have a pink pointed snout, small eyes and a short furry tail.

Distribution
Moles live throughout mainland Britain wherever soil is deep enough for tunnelling. They are absent from Ireland and most islands off the U.K. coast, with the exception of Anglesey, the Isle of Wight and a few of the Inner Hebrides.

In Europe, moles are widespread, but they are absent from Greece, Portugal, Albania, Southern Italy and Iceland. The European mole is also found in East Asia.

Habitat
They inhabit deciduous woodland,grassland and farmland.

Diet
Moles mainly feed on earthworms, but they also eat a variety of other invertebrates, as well as snakes and lizards.

Behaviour
Moles live underground in tunnels within the soil. They dig actively and can create 20m of tunnel per day. Large chambers are lined with dry grass, and are used for nesting during periods of rest. They leave characteristic mounds of earth behind as they excavate their tunnels (molehills).

Reproduction
They are solitary, except for during the breeding season, when males expand their territories. The female produces a litter of up to seven (usually 3-4) young in the summer. The young are weaned after three weeks.

Conservation status
Moles are not considered to be endangered and have no legal protection within the UK. Consequently, they are frequently killed by farmers and gardeners, who regard them as pests.