do moles make noise

2 min read 09-03-2025

Moles are fascinating, enigmatic creatures. They live largely unseen, their lives hidden beneath the surface of the earth. One question that often arises regarding these subterranean mammals is: do moles make noise? The answer, while not a simple yes or no, is multifaceted and depends on what you consider "noise."

Understanding Mole Communication

While moles aren't known for their vocalizations in the way birds or mammals are, they do communicate. Their primary methods, however, are not sounds we readily perceive. Instead, moles rely on a combination of:

1. Tactile Communication

Moles have incredibly sensitive touch receptors. They use these to navigate their underground tunnels, detect prey, and interact with other moles. This physical contact acts as a primary form of communication.

2. Chemical Signals (Scent)

Moles also communicate through scent marking. This allows them to establish territories and recognize individuals within their species. While not a noise, it's a crucial aspect of their communication system.

3. Subtle Sounds

While not loud vocalizations, moles can produce subtle sounds. These are often low-frequency rumbles or squeaks, usually associated with distress or mating. These sounds are difficult for humans to detect without specialized equipment.

What Sounds Might Be Attributed to Moles?

Many homeowners mistakenly attribute noises they hear underground to moles. However, these sounds are often caused by other creatures, or even non-biological sources:

Other burrowing animals: Voles, mice, and even insects can create rustling or scratching sounds underground, easily mistaken for mole activity.
Roots and settling soil: Shifting soil and expanding tree roots can create cracking or creaking noises.
Pipes and drains: Sounds from plumbing systems can travel underground, leading to confusion.

Can You Hear a Mole? The Difficulty of Detection

The sounds moles do produce are usually very quiet and low-frequency. They're unlikely to be heard by the human ear unless you're very close to the animal and conditions are exceptionally quiet. Specialized equipment, such as geophones, might be needed to detect these faint sounds.

Mole Noises vs. Mole Activity: Identifying the Culprit

Instead of focusing solely on sound, consider other indicators of mole presence:

Mounds of dirt: These are the classic sign of mole activity.
Runways: Raised tunnels visible on the surface of the lawn.
Damaged plants: Moles feed on grubs and insects, but their tunneling can damage plant roots.

Conclusion: The Quiet World of Moles

While moles aren't silent creatures, their communication methods primarily involve tactile and chemical signals. The subtle sounds they might produce are typically hard to detect without specialized equipment. If you're hearing noises underground, the source is likely something other than a mole. Consider other possibilities before concluding that it's the activity of these fascinating subterranean animals. Understanding the true nature of mole communication helps differentiate between the actual sounds produced by a mole, and the noises often wrongly attributed to them.