Stats

Lifespan: 3-6 yrs
Size: Small
Diet: Insectivore
Activity: Cathemeral
Social: Solitary
Biome: Temperate grassland
Range: North America
Movement: Burrowing
Breeding: Live birth
Defense: Burrowing
Status: Uncommon

About

A velvety-furred burrower that spends nearly its whole life underground, pushing soil into the raised ridges seen crisscrossing lawns and fields. Its oversized, outward-turned front paws work like paddles, letting it tunnel up to 18 feet per hour.

Life cycle

1.
newborn
A live-born newborn nurses on its mother's milk and depends on her for warmth and protection.
2.
juvenile
A weaned juvenile begins eating solid food and learning from its parents or group.
3.
adult
Fully grown at adult size.

Learn more

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Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Eulipotyphla
Family: Talpidae
Genus: Scalopus
Species: Scalopus aquaticus