Species › Mammals › Townsend's Mole

Townsend's Mole

Scapanus townsendii

UncommonMammal
Illustration of Townsend's Mole (Scapanus townsendii)

Townsend's Mole is the largest mole in North America, found in the moist, deep soils of the Pacific Coast from British Columbia to northern California. It throws up large conical molehills while excavating deep burrow systems used year-round. Agricultural areas with irrigated soils are preferred, making it a significant pest in lawns and bulb gardens.

Habitat
Moist grasslands, forests, and agricultural fields
Diet
Earthworms, grubs, and root-feeding insects
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Townsend's Mole

The best time to see a Townsend's Mole is April–July, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 105 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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