The coast mole is uncommon to common in humid regions of Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino cos. May eat nearly twice its weight in worms daily. Forages just below the ground surface, and may make surface runways under snow. Nests may be buried under brush, tree roots, old buildings, or along fence rows. Nests are lined with coarse grass.
Sufficient water is obtained from food, particularly earthworms.
Prefers light, moist, friable soils, but will burrow in sand or gravel. Uses dense woods and brush with a dense litter layer to a greater extent than Townsend's mole. Flooding lowers the density of this species. Active yearlong, at any time of day or night, but most activity is diurnal. More active in winter months, presumably because soil is wetter and looser.