Hairy tail aka Brewers mole

The Hairy-tailed mole (Parascalops breweri) is a species of mole found in eastern North America, including Connecticut. Here are some key biological features of this species:

• Appearance: The Hairy-tailed mole has dark brown or black fur and a long, pointed snout. It is named for the long, coarse hairs on its tail, which give it a "hairy" appearance.
• Size: Adult Hairy-tailed moles typically range in size from 5 to 6 inches in length and weigh between 1 and 1.5 ounces.
• Diet: Hairy-tailed moles are insectivores, and their primary food source is earthworms. They also eat other soil-dwelling invertebrates, such as ants, beetles, and grubs.
• Behavior: Hairy-tailed moles are fossorial, meaning they spend most of their time underground. They are solitary animals and are active year-round, burrowing through the soil in search of food. They are capable of digging tunnels at a rate of up to 18 feet per hour.
• Reproduction: Hairy-tailed moles breed in the late winter or early spring, and females give birth to litters of 2 to 6 young in April or May. The young are born blind and hairless and remain in the nest for several weeks before venturing out on their own.
• Conservation status: The Hairy-tailed mole is not currently considered to be a threatened or endangered species in Connecticut.

The Hairy-tailed mole (Parascalops breweri) is a species of mole found in eastern North America, including Connecticut. In Connecticut, Hairy-tailed moles are found throughout the state in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, wetlands, and suburban areas.

Hairy-tailed moles are fossorial, meaning they spend most of their time underground. They prefer moist, loamy soils with abundant earthworms and other invertebrates, which are their primary food source. They can often be found in areas with dense vegetation, as this provides cover and food for them.

If you're interested in learning more about the distribution and habitat of the Hairy-tailed mole in Connecticut, you may want to consult with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) or other local wildlife organizations for more specific information.

If you are experiencing problems with Hairy tail moles in Connecticut and need to trap them, it is important to use legal trapping methods. Here are some general tips for trapping moles in Connecticut:

1. Choose the right trap: There are several types of traps available for trapping moles, including live traps, snap traps, and box traps. Choose a trap that is designed for catching moles and that is appropriate for the size of the animal.
2. Locate the active tunnels: Moles create a network of underground tunnels, but not all of them are actively used. Look for raised ridges or mounds of soil that indicate active tunnels.
3. Set the hairy tail mole trap: Place the mole trap in an active tunnel, following the manufacturer's instructions for setting the trap. Cover the trap with soil to create a dark, tunnel-like environment that will encourage the mole to enter the trap.
4. Check the trap Moles die quickly if they are trapped and unable to access food or water. 
5. Dispose of trapped animals properly: If you catch a mole, it is important to dispose of it properly. Check with your local waste management facility for guidelines on disposing of dead animals.

The Hairy-tailed mole (Parascalops breweri) is found in the eastern parts of North America, including the United States and Connecticut. However, there is no accurate estimate of the population of this species at the national or state level.

The Hairy-tailed mole is not considered a threatened or endangered species, and it has a relatively wide distribution range throughout the eastern United States. However, habitat loss and fragmentation can be a threat to their populations, and certain populations may be more vulnerable than others due to factors such as habitat degradation, climate change, and other environmental pressures.

In Connecticut, the Hairy-tailed mole is not as common as Eastern moles. Wildlife biologists and conservation organizations continue to monitor the populations of this and other species to ensure their long-term survival and conservation

The Eastern mole, Hairy-tailed mole, and Star-nosed mole are all mole species that can be found in the eastern United States, including Connecticut. Here are some tips on how to tell them apart:

1. Size: The Eastern mole is the largest of the three species, with a body length of up to 6 inches. The Hairy-tailed mole is slightly smaller, with a body length of up to 5 inches. The Star-nosed mole is the smallest, with a body length of up to 3.5 inches.
2. Fur: The Hairy-tailed mole is named for its long, silky fur, which is longer and shinier than the fur of the Eastern mole or the Star-nosed mole. The Eastern mole has shorter, thicker fur, while the Star-nosed mole has short, velvety fur.
3. Nose: The Star-nosed mole is easily distinguished by its unique nose, which has 22 fleshy tentacles arranged in a star-shaped pattern. The Eastern mole and the Hairy-tailed mole have more typical, pointed snouts.
4. Feet: All three species have powerful, shovel-shaped front feet that are adapted for digging. However, the Star-nosed mole has large, spade-like forefeet that are wider and more paddle-shaped than those of the Eastern mole or the Hairy-tailed mole.
5. Habitat: The three species have slightly different habitat preferences. Eastern moles prefer to live in forested areas with well-drained soils, while Hairy-tailed moles are more often found in open fields and meadows. The Star-nosed mole is typically found near water, such as marshes or streams.

If you are having trouble identifying a mole species in the field, it may be helpful to consult a field guide or to contact a local Mole trapper for assistance. For service call us at 860-510-6313