mole
Excavator
With its spade-like front paws, the mole digs tunnels that are several hundred metres long and to a maximum depth of 1.5 metres.
Long and narrow
The excavated earth is removed to the surface and deposited in small mounds. Every day, the mole travels about 500 metres through its tunnels in search of food or to dig and repair tunnels.
A dark world
The ability to see is of little use in the darkness beneath the surface of the earth, and the eyes are poorly developed.
Smell and touch
The senses of smell and touch are more important. The whiskers around the nose and particular hairs on the tail are extremely sensitive to vibration. The tail is held against the tunnel roof to feel vibrations in the ground above.
