Moles are subterranean mammals that spend nearly their entire lives navigating an intricate network of tunnels beneath the soil surface. This specialized existence has led to a highly adapted physiology, including powerful forelimbs and a velvety coat that allows them to move forward or backward with ease. The mole’s life is a constant hunt to sustain a high metabolism, raising questions about what these insectivores encounter and consume. The mole’s diet is occasionally more varied and predatory than many people might assume.
The Primary Mole Diet
The mole is classified as an insectivore, and its diet overwhelmingly consists of invertebrates that share its underground habitat. The vast majority of a mole’s caloric intake comes from earthworms, which are its preferred food source. These annelids are detected through the mole’s highly sensitive snout as they traverse the tunnel system.
A mole must consume a significant quantity of food each day, often eating between 60% and 100% of its own body weight to meet its energy demands. Beyond earthworms, a mole’s regular menu includes other common soil-dwelling prey, such as beetle larvae, grubs, centipedes, and slugs. This constant need for sustenance drives the mole’s perpetual tunneling, turning its burrow network into an extensive, passive trap.
Moles and Snakes: The Direct Answer
The definitive answer to whether moles eat snakes is yes, but only opportunistically. This is not a common food source, but a rare event that occurs when a small snake, typically a juvenile or a thin species like a garter snake, enters a mole’s tunnel system. The mole’s predatory nature means that any creature small enough to be subdued underground may be treated as a potential meal.
The size of the snake is a limiting factor, as an adult mole is only about six to eight inches long and must prioritize securing its prey. If a small snake becomes trapped within the narrow confines of a tunnel, the mole’s advantage as the resident predator increases dramatically. This predation reflects the mole’s generalized hunting strategy: anything that crosses its path and can be overpowered is considered a viable food source.
The Mole’s Secret Weapon
The ability of a mole to subdue prey larger than a simple worm is tied to a unique physiological adaptation: a neurotoxin present in its saliva. This specialized saliva is produced by the submandibular glands and contains compounds that act as a paralyzing agent. The toxin is primarily used to immobilize earthworms, which the mole then stores alive in underground larders for later consumption.
This storage behavior is a crucial survival mechanism, ensuring the mole has a fresh food supply during periods of low foraging activity. The neurotoxin is also effective against other small vertebrates, including snakes encountered in the tunnels. By injecting the toxin with a bite, the mole can quickly subdue and secure a struggling animal.