Northern Broad-footed Mole: A Comprehensive Overview

Common Name: Northern Broad-footed Mole
Scientific Name: Scalopus machrinosus

Habitat

The Northern Broad-footed Mole is primarily found in the northern regions of North America, mostly inhabiting areas of the Great Plains, from eastern Montana to western Wisconsin. These moles favor moist, loamy soils in grasslands, forests, and agricultural areas, which provide the ideal conditions for burrowing and foraging.

Physical Characteristics

This species typically measures between 7 to 8 inches in length, featuring a robust, cylindrical body with a broad, flat foot structure that aids in their digging behavior. The fur is velvety and dark brown to grayish, enhancing their camouflage in their natural environments. Distinctive features include small, hidden eyes and large front paws, which are specially adapted for excavating tunnels.

Behavior

The Northern Broad-footed Mole is predominantly a solitary and nocturnal creature. It spends the majority of its time underground, creating an elaborate network of tunnels that can span several acres. These moles exhibit interesting behaviors, such as digging at incredible speeds and occasionally resurfacing to move to different locations or establish new burrows.

Diet

Feeding primarily on invertebrates such as earthworms, insect larvae, and grubs, the Northern Broad-footed Mole plays a crucial role in maintaining soil health. Their diet also occasionally includes roots and tubers, but they are predominantly insectivorous, making them vital consumers in their ecosystem.

Reproduction

The breeding season for the Northern Broad-footed Mole typically occurs in spring. Mating takes place underground, and females give birth to litters averaging three to six offspring after a gestation period of about 4 to 6 weeks. The young moles are born blind and hairless, relying entirely on their mother for survival during the early weeks of life.

Conservation Status

The Northern Broad-footed Mole is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population across its range. However, habitat destruction due to urban expansion and agricultural practices poses potential threats to their environments.

Interesting Facts

One fascinating fact about the Northern Broad-footed Mole is their ability to tunnel through the ground with remarkable efficiency, moving at speeds of up to 5 feet per minute. Additionally, they play a significant role in aerating the soil and facilitating the decomposition of organic matter, thus enhancing soil fertility.

Role in Ecosystem

As an integral part of the ecosystem, the Northern Broad-footed Mole helps control insect populations, contributing to the balance of the soil food web. Their burrowing activities aerate the soil, promoting plant growth and enhancing the habitats for other organisms within their ecosystem.