
Animals that eat moles include eagles, badgers, snakes, foxes, and owls.
There are a variety of animals that will eat moles if they have the opportunity. These animals typically hunt at night when the moles are most active. While there are many different types of animals that will prey on moles, there are few that specifically target them as their main source of food.
\This is likely due to the fact that moles are proficient diggers and can be difficult to catch. In some cases, the predators of moles will simply take advantage of the opportunities presented to them when a mole pops up to the surface.
Examples of Animals that Eat Moles
1. Australian Wedge-Tailed Eagle
Scientific Name | Aquila audax |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | mainland Australia, Tasmania, and Papua New Guinea |
The Wedge-Tailed Eagle is a large bird of prey that is found throughout much of Australia. This eagle is one of the few predators that specialize in hunting moles. They typically attack their prey from the air, using their powerful talons to grab the mole and carry it off to be eaten. The specific type of mole that they eat is the southern marsupial mole.
2. Badgers
Scientific Name | Meles meles |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | North America |
Badgers are mammals that are found in North America, Europe, and Asia. They are opportunistic predators, meaning that they will eat whatever is available to them. Badgers will often dig up moles from their burrows and consume them.
3. Black Kites
Scientific Name | Milvus migrans |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia |
The Black Kite is a medium-sized raptor that is found in Africa, Europe, and Asia. This bird of prey preys on a variety of small animals, including moles. They typically hunt from high in the air, swooping down on their prey to snatch them up.
4. Black Racer Snakes
Scientific Name | Coluber constrictor |
Type of Animal | Reptile |
Range | all areas of South Carolina and Georgia |
The Black Racer Snake is a common snake found in the eastern United States. This snake is an opportunistic predator that will eat any small animal it can get its mouth on. Moles are a relatively common prey item for the Black Racer Snake, and they are known to be especially fond of their flesh.
5. Black Rat Snakes
Scientific Name | Pantherophis obsoletus |
Type of Animal | Reptile |
Range | central and eastern United States |
The Black Rat Snake is a large, non-venomous snake found in the eastern United States. This snake is a generalist predator that will eat just about anything it can get its mouth on. Moles are a common prey item for the Black Rat Snake.
6. Blue Herons
Scientific Name | Ardea herodias |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | North America |
These large wading birds are found throughout the Americas and Europe. While they do not typically hunt moles, they will take advantage of the opportunity to eat one if it is presented to them. Herons have been known to stand near molehills and wait for the moles to come out. When they do, the heron will snatch them up quickly with its beak.
Read Also: Blue Heron Spiritual Meaning & Symbolism
7. Buzzards
Scientific Name | Buteo buteo |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | Scandinavia south to the Mediterranean |
Buzzards are a type of raptor that is found throughout the world. They are opportunistic predators, meaning that they will eat whatever is available to them. This makes them likely to prey on moles. Buzzards typically hunt by hovering overhead and then dropping down onto their prey when they have an opportunity.
Related Article: Do Buzzard Eat Dead Animals?
8. Coyotes
Scientific Name | Canis latrans |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Alaska southward into Central America, but especially on the Great Plains |
Coyotes are common predators in North America. While they do not typically target moles specifically, they will eat them if the opportunity arises. Coyotes typically hunt in pairs or small groups. They use their sense of smell to track down their prey and then kill it with a quick bite to the neck.
9. Domestic Cats
Scientific Name | Felis catus |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Worldwide |
Domestic cats are probably the most common predators of moles. They can be found throughout the world and typically hunt at night. Cats typically kill their prey by biting it in the neck. This is often enough to kill the mole, but if it does not, the cat will then drag it away to eat in safety.
10. Domestic Dogs
Scientific Name | Canis lupus familiaris |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Worldwide |
Domestic dogs are another common predator of moles. Like cats, they can be found throughout the world and typically hunt at night.
11. Garter Snakes
Scientific Name | Thamnophis |
Type of Animal | Reptile |
Range | the Southeast and most of North America |
Garter Snakes are a type of snake that is found throughout much of North America. These snakes are known to eat a variety of different animals, including moles. They typically hunt for their prey by sneaking up on it and then attacking it with a quick strike. Once the snake has the mole in its mouth, it will coil around it to prevent it from escaping.
12. Golden Eagles
Scientific Name | Aquila chrysaetos |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | Mexico through much of western North America as far north as Alaska |
Golden Eagles are a type of eagle that is found in North America and Europe. These eagles are one of the largest raptors in the world, and they are also one of the predators of moles. They typically hunt for their prey by flying over it and then swooping down to grab it. Golden Eagles have been known to kill adult moles, as well as juveniles.
13. Gray Foxes
Scientific Name | Urocyon cinereoargenteus |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | southern Canada into most of the United States and into Mexico |
Gray Foxes are a type of fox that is found throughout North America and Europe. These foxes typically hunt for their food at night, and they will eat a variety of different animals, including moles. When hunting moles, Gray Foxes will use their sense of hearing to locate their prey. Once they have found a mole, they will pounce on it and then kill it with their sharp teeth.
14. Harpy Eagles
Scientific Name | Harpia harpyja |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | Panama, close to the border with Colombia |
The Harpy Eagle is a large bird of prey that is found in Central and South America. This eagle is one of the largest flying raptors in the world, and it has been known to hunt and kill moles. The Harpy Eagle typically hunts by flying over its territory and looking for prey. When it sees a mole, it will swoop down and catch it in its powerful talons.
15. Martial Eagles
Scientific Name | Polemaetus bellicosus |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | sub-Saharan Africa |
The Martial Eagle is a large eagle that is found in Africa. This eagle is the apex predator of its ecosystem, and it will eat a variety of different animals, including moles. The Martial Eagle typically hunts for its prey by soaring over it and then diving down to grab it.
16. Mole Snakes
Scientific Name | Pseudaspis cana |
Type of Animal | Reptile |
Range | South African |
Mole Snakes are a type of snake that is found in North and South America. As their name suggests, these snakes specialize in hunting moles. They typically hunt by burrowing underground and then waiting for a mole to pass by. When the mole is close enough, the Mole Snake will strike, grabbing it with its teeth and coils.
17. Osprey
Scientific Name | Pandion haliaetus |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | Central and South America |
Ospreys are a type of raptor that is found in North America, Europe, and Australia. These birds are known to eat a variety of different animals, including moles. Ospreys typically hunt for their prey by flying over it and then diving down to catch it.
18. Owls
Scientific Name | Strigiformes |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | Worldwide |
There are a variety of owl species that will eat moles if given the chance. These nocturnal predators typically hunt alone and use their sharp talons and beaks to kill their prey.
19. Philippine Eagles
Scientific Name | Pithecophaga jefferyi |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | the Philippines |
The Philippine Eagle is another large bird of prey that specializes in hunting moles. These birds are found in the forests of the Philippines and hunt using their sharp claws and beaks.
Read Also: Do Philippine Eagle Have Mohawks?
20. Pine Martens
Scientific Name | Martes martes |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | throughout Canada, Alaska |
Pine Martens are a type of weasel that is found throughout Europe and parts of Asia. These animals are proficient hunters and will take advantage of any opportunity to catch their prey. While they do not specifically target moles, they will eat them if they come across one.
21. Possums
Scientific Name | Didelphidae |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | North, Central, and South America |
Possums are a type of marsupial that is found in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of North America. These animals are opportunistic hunters and will eat just about anything that they can find. This includes moles, which make up a significant part of their diet.
22. Red Foxes
Scientific Name | Vulpes vulpes |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | throughout the continental United States from Alaska to Florida |
Red Foxes are common throughout North America and Europe. These animals are opportunistic predators that will eat just about anything they can find. This includes moles, which the foxes will typically hunt by digging out of their burrows.
23. Red Tailed Hawks
Scientific Name | Buteo jamaicensis |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | Worldwide |
Red-tailed Hawks are a type of bird of prey that is found throughout North America. While they typically hunt rodents, they will also eat moles if the opportunity arises. The hawks will usually spot their prey from a distance and then swoop down to grab it with their talons.
24. Skunks
Scientific Name | Mephitidae |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | United States, Canada, South America and Mexico |
Skunks are a type of mammal that is found throughout North America and parts of Europe. These animals are known for their ability to spray a foul-smelling substance, but they are also proficient hunters. Skunks will often dig for moles and other small animals to eat.
25. Stoats
Scientific Name | Mustela erminea |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | North America, Europe, and Asia |
Stoats are a type of weasel that is found in Europe, Asia, and North America. These animals are very proficient hunters and will eat just about anything they can catch. This includes moles, which the stoats will typically hunt by digging out of their burrows.
26. Vultures
Scientific Name | Cathartes |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | Asia, Africa, and Europe |
Vultures are a type of bird that is found on every continent except Antarctica. While they are typically associated with scavenging, they will also hunt and eat small animals such as moles. Vultures typically hunt by flying low over the ground and spotting their prey from the air. When they see a mole, they will swoop down and grab it with their talons.
Related Article: Do Vulture Eat Giraffes?
27. Weasels
Scientific Name | Mustela |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Worldwide |
Weasels are small, slender animals that are found throughout the world. These carnivorous creatures will eat just about anything they can catch, including moles. Weasels typically hunt by entering the burrows of their prey and then attacking them from underground.
28. White-Tailed Eagle
Scientific Name | Haliaeetus albicilla |
Type of Animal | Bird |
Range | Europe, southwestern Greenland, the Middle East, Russia |
The White-Tailed Eagle is a large eagle that is found in Europe and parts of Asia. This eagle is another predator that specializes in hunting moles. They typically ambush their prey by swooping down on them from above. Once they have caught the mole, they will carry it off to be eaten.
29. Wild Cats
Scientific Name | Felis silvestris |
Type of Animal | Mammal |
Range | Worldwide |
Wild Cats are found in many different parts of the world. While they typically hunt smaller prey, they will also eat moles if given the chance. The cats will usually stalk their prey and then pounce on it, using their sharp claws and teeth to kill it.
Read Also: Do Moles Live in Ponds?
Conclusion
Moles are preyed upon by a variety of animals, both large and small. The predators listed in this article include badgers, hawks, herons, buzzards, coyotes, domestic cats, domestic dogs, raccoons, and stoats. While some of these predators specialize in hunting moles specifically, others will take advantage of an opportunity to eat one if they come across it.

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