Northern Broad-footed Mole (Scapanus latimanus) lives in moist forest soils across Pacific Northwest America. Its conservation status is Least Concern.
Fascinating facts about the Northern Broad-footed Mole
- The northern broad-footed mole is found only within the United States, restricted to northern California, Nevada and Oregon. It inhabits mountainous terrain and can live at elevations as high as 9,800 feet (3 000 m) above sea level. This high-altitude range marks the upper limit of its distribution, and the species does not cross the US border into neighbouring countries.
- Earlier scientists believed the mole's range extended south into northernmost Baja California, Mexico, and even a separate population in the Sierra de San Pedro Martir. Recent taxonomic and morphological studies, however, showed that the southern California and Baja populations belong to the distinct southern broad-footed mole and the Mexican mole. As a result, the northern broad-footed mole's range is now considered to be confined entirely to the United States.
- Scientists once described up to twelve subspecies of the northern broad-footed mole, but two of those have been reclassified as separate species. Subsequent analysis found that most of the remaining names were junior synonyms, leaving only four valid subspecies recognised today: S. l. latimanus, S. l. minisculus, S. l. insularis, and S. l. parvus.
- Only one mole occupies a burrow at a time, and if it is vacated another individual usually moves in within two days. The species spends most of its life underground, digging tunnels that are typically far below the surface level. These deep passages are created by pushing soil out through shafts that run laterally and vertically toward the ground surface, allowing the animal to maintain a solitary, concealed home.
- Soil pushed out of the mole's shafts piles up into volcano-shaped mounds, with the oldest earth forming the outer base and the newest material at the centre. When the animal digs shallow surface tunnels, the displaced soil creates a ridge that can be seen on the ground. These mounds and ridges result from shafts that run laterally and vertically up to the surface, marking the mole's hidden activity above ground.
Sources
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At a glance
RangePacific Northwest America
HabitatMoist forest soils
DietEarthworms and insects
About the Northern Broad-footed Mole
In the shadowy realm of the forest floor, the Northern Broad-footed Mole navigates its subterranean world with purposeful intent, its powerful front legs and broad, spade-like paws propelling it through the damp earth with a quiet determination. As it moves, the mole's sensitive snout twitches, gathering vital information about the hidden landscape, a testament to its remarkable adaptability in this dark, mysterious domain. With each deliberate thrust, the mole reshapes its surroundings, crafting a intricate network of tunnels and dens that crisscross the forest like a hidden metropolis.
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