Moles and Voles

Moles are actually not classified as rodents but as mammals. We have grouped them with voles due to the similar behaviors the two possess. Moles, like voles, map their lives underground with interconnecting tunnels.Like the voles, moles will eat and burrow their way through root systems and vegetation to create their tunnel systems. Moles are active during the day and night. Their looks, however, differ. They have slender bodies with short, broad feet, ideal for digging. Moles are much less social than voles. You would most likely find only one mole per tunnel.

Voles, also known as meadow mice, are small ground-dwelling rodents. Voles are often mistaken for mice. One distinguishing difference between mice and voles is their tail lengths. Voles have a much shorter tail than mice do. Voles are active during the day as well as the night. These rodents dig and burrow underground. They create tunnels underground that have numerous entrances. Voles are more social that moles are. You would find numerous adults and young gathered together in their underground tunnels.  It is typical for them to eat through plant and tree root systems, creating their burrowed tunnels. The burrowing both moles and voles do can result in extensive damage to trees, field crops, vegetation and lawns.

Because neither moles or voles come into too much contact with humans they do not pose as any health hazard, but they are known to carry diseases.

Characteristics

Moles: Classified as a mammal. Their bodies are slender, pointed snouts with short, broad feet. They are dark brown to black in color and have very shiny fur. Moles can grow to be 6 inches long.

Voles: Small rodent that resembles a mouse but has a stouter body, shorter legs and have a shorter tail. They also have distinct prominent molars than mice do. Voles can grow to be between 4 to 8 inches (including the tail) and are typically brown or gray in color.