Within the park are found three different kinds of moles, two of which are very closely related and similar in general appearance. The third is distinct in size and coloration.
The Townsend mole, Scapanus townsendii (Bachman), is considered to be the largest of its kind on the continent, with a total length of about eight inches. The body is stout, with tiny eyes, short legs and tail. The fur is dense and velvety, blackish-brown in color, usually with a purplish tone.
It is found in “extreme northwestern California, Oregon and Washington west of the Cascade Mountains” (Jackson). Little is known about its status within the park. Workings were observed and a specimen collected at Spray Park (5,500 feet) in 1919.
The coast mole, Scapanus orarius orarius True, is smaller than the Townsend mole, attaining a length of about six and one-half inches. Its coloration is black or blackish-brown above, with the underparts more grayish in tone.
This species is found in the humid coast region of northern California, Oregon and Washington. It is apparently not common in any part of the park, but has been collected at Longmire and the Owyhigh Lakes.
The Gibbs shrew-mole, Neurotrichus gibbsii gibbsii (Baird), is a very small mole, about the size of a house mouse, around four inches in total length. The entire coloration is dark grey, with the longer hairs frequently tipped with whitish.
This mole is found in extreme southwestern British Columbia, western Washington and Oregon west of the Cascade Mountains, and south into California in the coast region and interior west of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It occurs rather commonly throughout the park below 4,000 feet, although an occasional record has been obtained at elevations in excess of 5,000 feet. Its habitat is around grassy swamps and near streams.
Specimens in park collection: Townsend mole, none; coast mole, RNP-105; Gibbs shrew-mole, RNP-21, RNP-106, RNP-112, RNP-114; Longmire Museum, Park Headquarters.
The mole is often confused with other small mammals, especially the rodents. However, it does not belong with the rodent group and can readily be distinguished by its short, very stout front legs which end in broad, handlike feet with the palms turned outward; and by its pointed nose; short tail; elongated body with fine, plush-like fur; and the apparent absence of external eyes and ears.
The mole is one of Nature’s strangest creations. From birth it is destined to live underground, working diligently in total darkness to obtain the food necessary for its existence. Its appetite seems never to be satisfied and captive specimens have been known to eat more than their own weight in a single day. Earthworms and grubs make up the major portion of the food eaten, although beetles, spiders, various insects and occasionally plants are of importance. The mole has the dubious distinction of being of great value to the farmer because of the worm pests he destroys, yet is regarded in return as one of the farmer’s worst pests. A large part of this bad reputation arises from the damage done growing plants by rodents that use the mole burrow to reach the tender flower bulbs and growing roots found underground.