The Hairy-Tailed Mole

The hairy-tailed mole, aka Brewer’s mole, is the only member of the genus Parascalops. They hail from northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. They suffer the threats of habitat loss and destruction at the hands of residential and commercial developments, construction sites watering the soil down and drowning the moles in soggy soil; roads and railroads dividing their territory and resulting in vehicle strike (being hit by vehicles); and trapping these moles in retaliation for destroying lawns. However, they are abundant enough to be listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

First the Stats…

Scientific name: Parascalops breweri
Weight: Up to 1.8 ounces
Length: Up to 5.9 inches
Lifespan: Up to 4 years

Now on to the Facts!

1.) These critter’s epithet “breweri” is in reference to the American naturalist Thomas Mayo Brewer.

2.) They are more closely related to the 2 Chinese scalopine moles (Alpiscaptulus & Scapanulus), rather than the 2 North American moles (Scalopus & Scapanus).

3.) Hairy-tailed moles have sensitive whiskers and hairs on the tip of its nose and feet that aid in feeling their surroundings.

4.) The preferred habitat is deciduous and coniferous woodlands, oldfields, and roadsides containing loamy soil.

5.) These moles are cathemeral (active both day and night).

But wait, there’s more on the hairy-tailed mole!

6.) As all moles go, they are fossorial (spend most of their lives underground).

7.) Tunnels are dug deeper in the winter months and shallower in the summer months.

Did you know…?
Unlike rodents, a mole’s teeth do not continually grow. They are very sharp though and meant for capturing food.

8.) Above ground activity occurs mainly at night, making them nocturnal.

9.) Cats, dogs, foxes, owls, and snakes are their primary predators.

10.) Like other moles, they are solitary and only come together to mate.

But wait, there’s still more on the hairy-tailed mole!

11.) Females undergo up to a 6 week gestation (pregnancy) that yields up to 5 young (pups).

12.) Ants, beetle larvae, grubs, earthworms, and slugs are all on the menu.

13.) Even though they are primarily insectivores (eat insects and other bugs), they will also consume vegetation.

Now a Short Hairy-Tailed Mole Video!

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Some source material acquired from: Wikipedia & IUCN

Photo credit: iNaturalist