A mole's digging ability lets it tunnel through soil at surprising speed using strong claws.

The longer version

Digging underground is expensive work, so a mole is built almost entirely around it. The forelimbs are short, rotated outward and tipped with broad spade-like claws, while the shoulder girdle and breast muscles provide the force.

Soil is loosened with a thrust and then pushed back and compacted against the tunnel wall, so the animal effectively swims through earth rather than carrying it away. Moles also maintain a low resting metabolism and tolerate the poor air of a sealed burrow by having blood that binds oxygen readily. Vibrissae on the snout and tail, plus touch-sensitive skin, compensate for eyes that detect little more than light and dark.

Where this entry sits

This collection gathers small surprises about mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, insects, and the pets living alongside people. Expect odd details about senses, anatomy, and everyday behaviour that many people never notice in the animals around them. The full list sits on the Animals page, where every entry is listed in order.