Family: Talpidae, Moles view all from this family

Description Smallest of the moles, with a short thick tail. Not as well adapted for life underground as other moles, but still mole-like with no external ears, reduced eyes, and slightly broadened forepaws. Forepaws larger than in any shrews. Some of the hairs are longer and coarser than others, making them less velvety looking than other moles. Color ranges from gray to black.

Dimensions 92-132mm, 12-19mm, 9-11g

Habitat Forests & woodlands, Swamps, marshes & bogs, Lakes, ponds, rivers & streams, Scrub, shrub & brushlands

Range California, Northwest, Western Canada

Discussion Active both day and night, it spends more time above ground than other moles, and frequently makes tunnels through the leaf litter rather than completely underground. Ranges in elevation from sea level to 2500m. Prefers areas with heavy leaf litter, or abundant shrub or bunchgrass cover.