Hairy-tailed mole
(Parascalops breweri)
Description & Range:
Hairy-tailed moles measure 5.5 to 7 inches in total length, with a tail 1-1.5 inches in length. Males are typically larger than females. Hairy-tailed moles have dark gray or black fur, and their tail is covered with dense, coarse hairs. Their small eyes are concealed by their fur, and they lack visible ears. They are unlikely to be confused with the eastern mole, which has a naked tail and longer snout, or the star-nosed mole, which has fleshy tubercles on its snout.
The range of the hairy-tailed mole extends from Ontario and Quebec throughout the northeastern United States and south through the Appalachian mountains. They have been recorded in western Maryland.
Habitat:
Hairy-tailed moles live in mixed forests, deciduous forests, evergreen forests, agricultural fields, mountains, and suburban areas. They create tunnel passages underground, typically in sandy loam soils.
Diet:
Hairy-tailed moles are insectivores and primarily consume beetles, ants, and flies. They occasionally eat snails and slugs. Hairy-tailed moles can eat up to three times their body weight in food each day.
Reproduction:
The breeding season of the hairy-tailed mole is March through April. Females breed once per year, and typically produce 4-5 young per litter. Juveniles are independent after one month, and reach sexual maturity at 10 months old. Nests in the burrows are typically made of dead leaves and humus.
Sounds:
Hairy-tailed moles communicate with quick, harsh squeaks. If threatened by predators, they will sound an alarm call by whistling with their teeth.
Behavior:
Hairy-tailed moles are active both day and night, spending most of their time foraging for food. They primarily use tunnel systems that are shared with other males, females, and juveniles.
Sources:
Peterson Field Guide to Mammals of North America, Fourth Edition
https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Parascalops_breweri/
https://www.nrs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/jrnl/2007/nrs_2007_laerm_012.pdf
