What Is The Difference Between A “Mole” And A “Vole”?

There is a good chance that you are not fully aware of what a “mole”, as in the animal, looks like. If you do not know what a mole is, then there is a good chance that you have no clue what a “vole” is, but learning about these animals, and what makes them different, is a simple Google click away. However, we will save you the trouble of typing all those words into your search bar.

Most people first become aware of moles through mole infestations. Pest control companies receive calls regularly asking about “mouse-like creatures”, and how to keep them from digging holes in their yard. Of course, these mysterious creatures are moles, and it is important to know how to differentiate the two animals if you want to pick the pest-control method that will successfully rid your yard of grass-destroying creatures.

To begin with, moles have a pointed snout, relatively large front feet, and very small eyes and ears. In fact, the eyes and ears of a mole are so small that the human eye is not acute enough to see them. On the other hand, voles have visibly rounded ears, a round body, and always have a grey underbelly, while its coat is always black, brown or reddish brown.

Moles and voles are further distinguished by their different habitats. Moles are largely predatory in nature, and they live within tunnels that are accessed by burrows that you may see in the ground during outdoor walks. Voles do not live within an intricate underground network of tunnels; instead voles live above land and in areas with low-lying vegetation. Unlike moles, voles are not at all predatory, and they prefer to feed on seeds, bark, roots and bulbs of many different ornamental plants.

Were you already able to distinguish between the two animals described above? If yes, how and/or why did you learn?