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Mole Talpa europaea Length 14-18cm Burrowing, tunnel-dwelling mammal. Cylindrical body is covered in black fur. Feeds mainly on earthworms. Presence detected above ground by ‘molehills’ (spoil heaps of excavated soil). Adult has velvety fur and spade-like front feet, armed with sharp claws, and used for digging. Eyes are tiny and external ears are absent. Head is elongated into a sensitive snout. Mostly silent. Common in meadows and woods with well-drained, invertebrate-rich soil. Beneficial as a soil aerator.
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© PAUL STERRY/Nature Photographers
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MAMMALS
Mole Talpa europaea Length 14-18cm Burrowing, tunnel-dwelling mammal. Cylindrical body is covered in black fur. Feeds mainly on earthworms. Presence detected above ground by ‘molehills’ (spoil heaps of excavated soil). Adult has velvety fur and spade-like front feet, armed with sharp claws, and used for digging. Eyes are tiny and external ears are absent. Head is elongated into a sensitive snout. Mostly silent. Common in meadows and woods with well-drained, invertebrate-rich soil. Beneficial as a soil aerator.