Nearly forty kinds of Moles live in the woodlands and fields of Eurasia and North America. Moles spend most of their lives underground. In the darkness of their burrows, Moles eat, sleep, mate, and raise their young. These Insectivores, with their small eyes and ears, eat many Insects and other Invertebrates. As underground tunnellers, Moles have taken advantage of where They live.
Usually out of sight and underground, Moles are the least understood among Mammals. As swimmers of the earth, Moles’ bodies are digging machines with their shovel-like paws. Similar to a person swimming the breast stroke, Moles push the dirt behind them as they dig. Once their burrows are done, Moles spend much of their time patrolling their system of runways. Since their burrows act as a giant pitfall trap, Moles often find Worms or Insects that fall into one of the tunnels. With their sensitive snouts and Eimer’s organs, Moles can detect juicy Worms, one of their favorite foods.
Mole’s ability to tunnel underground reminds me of an explorer hacking his way through the jungles. But Mole not only finds a path, He also makes the path for others to follow. To me, Mole is more than an explorer; He is also the guide into the unknown. The mole is the Pathmaker!
Who wants to know what lies beyond the bend? Who is unafraid to go there? Who makes a road to get there? Mole!
In their underground world, moles are unseen and solitary. However like Mole of Kenneth Graham’s “The Wind in the Willows”, we can go outside of our comfort zone. Following brave Mole, we can come into the sunshine and make friends. We can be as fearless as Mole, the Pathfinder.
Mole Family’s Teachings Include:
“Mole is formed to live wholly underground. We should imagine that the life of the quadruped must be the most solitary but we discover no signs of distress or wretchedness in the creature.” Copyright: “Short Introduction to Heraldry”, Hugh Clark.
“Moles steal the hearts of those who try to withhold love, teaching emotional generosity, and the joys of giving love to others.” Copyright: “The Spirit of Place”, Loren Cruden.
Sources:
Forsyth, Adrian, “Mammals of North America”, Buffalo: Firefly Books, 1999.
Jones, David, “North American Wildlife”, Vancouver: White Cap Books, 2002.
Palmer, Jessica Dawn, “Animal Wisdom”, London: Element, 2001.
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Va. Carper
April 10, 2008