Mammals Active day and night

Hairy-tailed Mole

Parascalops breweri

iNaturalist Wikipedia

A hidden master of the Appalachian soil, the Hairy-tailed Mole is identified by its uniquely fuzzy tail and industrious digging. This secretive mammal plays a vital role in aerating forest floors and suburban gardens alike.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 14–17 cm (5.5–6.7 in); Weight: 40–65 g (1.4–2.3 oz)

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Colors

Uniformly dark charcoal-grey to black velvety fur; pinkish-grey snout and feet; tail is dark and distinctly hairy.

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Key Features

Short, thick tail covered in dense, stiff hairs
Large, paddle-shaped front feet with outward-facing claws
Pointed, fleshy snout without star-like appendages
Velvety dark grey fur that can be brushed in any direction

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active day and night

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Peak hours 10 PM - 4 AM

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Season March-November

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Diet Primary diet consists of earthworms and beetle larvae (grubs). They also consume ants, centipedes, and various soil-dwelling insects found within their tunnels.

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Habitat Prefers well-drained, loose, loamy or sandy soils in deciduous forests, meadows, and mature suburban gardens with plenty of leaf mulch.

public Geographic range

Where Does the Hairy-tailed Mole Live?

The Hairy-tailed Mole is native to the northeastern region of North America. Its core range extends from southeastern Canada, specifically southern Ontario and Quebec, down through the northeastern United States and following the Appalachian Mountains as far south as northern Georgia. It is a specialist of the Appalachian plateau, favoring the cool, moist conditions found in higher elevations and northern latitudes.

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2 Countries

850K km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

US United States CA Canada

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The Hairy-tailed Mole is a tireless subterranean architect, spending the vast majority of its life in a complex network of tunnels. It maintains two distinct types of passages: shallow surface ridges used for foraging during the spring and summer, and deeper, more permanent galleries located up to 15-20 inches underground for nesting and wintering. Unlike some other moles, this species is somewhat social during the breeding season but remains largely solitary and territorial, defending its tunnel system from rivals.

These moles are incredibly active, often consuming their body weight in food every day to fuel their high-metabolism digging lifestyle. They do not hibernate; instead, they follow their prey deeper into the earth as the frost line descends during winter. While they are sensitive to vibrations and will quickly retreat if they detect footsteps, they are occasionally seen above ground at night or when dispersing to find new territory after heavy rains.

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Camera Tips

Capturing a Hairy-tailed Mole on camera requires a strategy focused on their rare surface appearances. Look for fresh 'surface runs'—the raised ridges of soil they create while foraging near the surface. Place your camera at ground level, using a small stake or a low-profile mount, and angle the lens directly toward a fresh tunnel exit or a 'molehill.' These moles often surface under the cover of leaf litter or near the base of old logs, so these are prime locations for camera placement.

Because moles move quickly when they do surface and are quite small, standard motion sensors may fail to trigger. Use a camera with a high-sensitivity PIR (Passive Infrared) setting or, better yet, set your camera to a fast time-lapse mode (one photo every 5-10 seconds) during the night. Since they are most active when the soil is moist, the best time to capture footage is shortly after a rainstorm when earthworms are near the surface and moles are most likely to be active in their shallow tunnels.

A unique trick for attracting them into the frame is to use 'scent lures' rather than food. Moles are highly sensitive to smells; however, they are insectivores and won't go for seeds. Some enthusiasts find success by placing a piece of damp wood or a small pile of fresh compost in front of the camera, which attracts the worms and grubs the mole preys upon. Ensure your camera is set to its closest focus distance, as you'll want to be within 2-3 feet of the tunnel exit to get a clear identification of that signature hairy tail.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Hairy-tailed Mole.

Eastern Mole

The Eastern Mole has a hairless tail and is generally larger with a more silvery-grey fur tone.

Star-nosed Mole

Easily distinguished by the 22 fleshy pink tentacles on its nose and its preference for very wet, swampy soil.

Northern Short-tailed Shrew

Much smaller with tiny front feet not adapted for digging; lacks the large, paddle-like hands of a mole.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Hairy-tailed Moles are active year-round, both day and night. However, they show a slight increase in activity during the late night and early morning hours, roughly between 10 PM and 4 AM, when they are safest from surface predators.

You don't need to 'attract' them so much as provide the right environment. They love moist, loose soil rich in organic matter. Avoiding pesticides that kill grubs and earthworms will ensure they have a steady food source, which is the primary reason they enter a backyard.

Their diet is almost entirely carnivorous, consisting of earthworms, beetle larvae (grubs), ants, and other soil invertebrates. They do not eat plants or bulbs, though their tunneling can sometimes disturb root systems.

Yes, they are quite common in suburban areas within their range, especially in neighborhoods with mature trees and well-watered lawns. They are often the species responsible for the 'raised ridges' seen in East Coast gardens.

The easiest way is to look at the tail. The Hairy-tailed Mole has a short, thick tail covered in dense hair, whereas the Eastern Mole has a nearly hairless, flesh-colored tail. Additionally, the Hairy-tailed Mole is generally smaller and darker in color.

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