The mole uses these to get through the soil in about the same way a person swims underwater. Except for the flexible, piglike snout, the head is featureless, appearing to be lacking a neck, eyes and ears. Although the mole can only detect light and dark with its eyes, its sense of hearing, touch and smell are acute. A cinnamon-brown staining on the chin and along the middle of the belly is common on the adults, but this is usually is more pronounce in the males. The mole's nearly naked tail acts as an organ of touch which allows the animal to move backwards in its tunnels, although it can, thanks to a narrow hip girdle, perform a somersault in the burrow.
Moles are carnivorous.
Grubworms and earthworms constitute the bulk of their diet. This might explain why plant materials such as castor bean seed are not too effective in mole control. The mole also preys on other soil-dwelling creatures such as beetles, spiders, centipedes, ant pupae and cutworms. Moles may be found wherever the soil is sufficiently thick, pliable and adhesive enough to support a tunnel system and is adequately populated with wee beasties for food. Unfortunately, it is the mole's feeding activity that gives him a bad name.