Moles are considered garden pests, but they can improve soil quality. These velvety and eerie-looking mammals rarely pose any threat to people since they mostly live underground. Moles’ strong paws are suitable for digging soil.
Hence, they are called subterranean mammals. Moles mostly live on earthworms. They paralyze earthworms with their toxic saliva while storing them for meals.
They can grow from 4.2 to 6.25 inches. And that is the length from the snout to the rump. Its tail can add an additional 1 to 1.5 inches to its compact size. It weighs between 70 and 130 grams.
Moles are prevalent in South America and Antarctica. Their habitats include gardens, sand dunes, grasslands, urban zones, mixed woodlands, and diggable soil lands. Moles lead a solitary underground life.
Digging tunnels and preying on earthworms are what they predominantly do. In terms of their lifespan, moles typically live up to 3 years.
1. Typical Vole
A typical or common vole is a European rodent that is also known as the short-tailed field vole. Its scientific name is Microtus arvalis.
Where It Lives?
The typical vole largely inhabits European and Asian lands. You’ll find them in the sloped and shallow areas like crop fields.
Eating Habit
Common voles mostly live on grass, crop roots, stems, and plant leaves. Although they’re herbivorous, they tend to enjoy eating snails and insects too. But vegetation remains their primary source of food.
Animal Type
The typical or common vole is a mammal rodent.
Lifespan
The common wild vole can live up to 4.5 months, while its captive lifespan is surprisingly higher, precisely 4.8 years.
Weight & Height
A common vole may weigh 0.7 to 2.4 oz., depending on its age while it may grow from 3 to 5 inches in its lifespan.
Habitat & Behavior
Voles dig extensive tunnels for their habitat and protection. They remain within their home range while burrowing underground, aboveground, and through the snow. Voles rarely hibernate and stay active all year round.
They’re frequent breeders with 4 to 5 litters per year, and 5 to 6 pups per litter.
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