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| Moles live most of thier lives underground, and are specialized for this lifestyle. These are small (5.5"-8") sturdy animals with a cylindrical body and elongated head. Eyes and ears are covered with fur; eyes distinguish light only, while ears are acute. Flexible nostril over mouth, and sense of smell is well developed. The greatly enlarged front feet give this animal away. Both the feet and the chest muscles are modified for digging through the earth. Eastern moles are grayish brown, darker above with white to pink face, feet, and tail. The tail is short, thick, with few hairs. This species is found throughout the eastern and midwestern U.S. Moles are often noticed because of their tunnels which are visible on the surface. They inhabit open areas, such as meadows, open woodlands, and stream banks. . .anywhere the dirt is loose. They have a high metabolism, and feed mostly on animal matter, especially earthworms. |
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