Moles are common creatures that spend the vast majority of their time underground. There are approximately 42 species of moles on Earth, and most are found in North America, Europe, and Asia. They excel at digging and have numerous specialized adaptations that make them able to dig extremely efficiently. Some reports say they can dig more than 15 feet in one hour.

Moles also have highly acute senses of hearing and touch which they use to navigate while
underground. They really don’t rely on their eyesight as it is quite poor. This is one big reason they rarely appear above ground. Moles are also able to absorb more oxygen from the air than most animals thanks to a special adaptation in their blood. This allows them to stay underground in low-oxygen areas for long periods. They can also reuse exhaled air while underground.

Most mole tunnels are not visible and extend deeper underground, from one foot up to 15 feet deep. These tunnels cause the most damage. Moles don’t actually eat plants or roots, but their extensive digging can expose roots to other predators and remove essential plant nutrients. Mole tunnels can also dislodge young plants and make it difficult for new seeds to take root. Moles can also damage sprinkler systems by dislodging sprinkler heads and placing extra stress on water lines.