Moles, shrews and meadow voles can be similar in appearance. Because of this, and since they often share the same habitat, you should know how their habits differ so that you can identify each species in case it becomes necessary to control them. These raised ridges or surface tunnels are unique to moles. No other animal leaves this evidence of its presence. However, mole activity often is confused with that of the pocket gopher, which also is found in Missouri.
Moles leave cone-shaped mounds on the surface of the ground.
These usually are not numerous. Most often these mounds contain coarse soil and earth clods. Mounds are constructed as shown in Figure 3. The mole pushes this soil to the surface, especially when digging deep runs. These deep runs lead to a nest or provide tunnels for use in the winter or during the hot times of the summer.