Mole vs Vole: A Complete Comparison

Mole vs Vole difference between Mole and Vole Mole Vole comparison Mole or Vole Mole Vole identification

Despite their similar-sounding names, moles and voles are remarkably different mammals with distinct evolutionary paths. Moles are specialized insectivores with powerful front limbs for digging, typically weighing 2.5-4.5 ounces (70-130g), while voles are stocky rodents weighing 0.7-2.3 ounces (20-65g) that create surface runways through vegetation. Understanding these differences is crucial for gardeners and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

The confusion between moles and voles often leads to misidentified garden damage and ineffective pest control measures. While both animals can impact gardens, their dietary preferences and behavior patterns couldn’t be more different. Let’s explore the key characteristics that set these mammals apart.

A European mole photographed in close-up detail, showing its distinctive front-facing features. The mole's broad, pink nose and velvety dark brown fur are prominently displayed, along with its most remarkable feature - large, pale, spade-like forepaws with prominent digging claws. Each paw has five elongated, flesh-colored claws perfectly adapted for tunneling. The fur appears dense and plush, with a slight sheen typical of subterranean mammals. A scale bar in the lower left indicates 1cm, highlighting the small size of this fossorial creature. The image is shot against a neutral gray background, emphasizing the mole's specialized anatomical features used for its underground lifestyle.

The European mole’s distinctive shovel-like front paws and elongated snout are perfectly adapted for its underground lifestyle. Note the specialized digging claws and dense, velvety fur that can move both forward and backward through tunnel systems.

A Field Vole foraging among dewy grass and moss, its round brown body and distinctive short snout clearly visible in close-up detail. The small rodent's dense brown fur appears soft and textured, with a characteristic dark eye and small ears partially hidden in its coat. The vole is surrounded by vibrant green vegetation, including grass blades and moss clusters, with scattered dried plant stems creating a natural woodland floor habitat. Morning dew drops glisten on the surrounding foliage, suggesting early day activity of this typically crepuscular mammal.

The field vole displays typical rodent characteristics with its rounded ears, blunt snout, and compact body. Unlike moles, voles are well-adapted to surface living and creating paths through vegetation.

Key Physical and Behavioral Differences

Feature	Mole	Vole
Classification	Insectivore (Order Eulipotyphla)	Rodent (Order Rodentia)
Front Paws	Large, paddle-like with prominent claws	Small, typical rodent paws
Snout	Long, pointed with sensitive whiskers	Short, blunt
Eyes	Tiny, often hidden in fur	Small but visible
Diet	Primarily earthworms and insects	Plant material, seeds, roots
Habitat	Underground tunnel systems	Surface runways in vegetation

Habitat and Lifestyle Differences

Moles are true subterranean specialists, spending nearly their entire lives in elaborate tunnel systems that can extend up to 100 yards (91 meters) in length. These tunnels serve as both hunting grounds and living spaces, with dedicated chambers for nesting and food storage.

Voles, conversely, create surface runways through grass and ground cover, occasionally digging shallow burrows for nesting. Their paths are typically 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) wide and can be easily spotted when snow melts, revealing intricate networks of grass tunnels.