Scapanus orarius True, 1896

Size and Proportions

The coast mole, Scapanus orarius True, 1896, is generally less than 200 mm in total length, with its tail making up one-fourth of this total length.

Fur Coloration

Its fur is uniformly black.

Skull Morphology

It has a relatively narrow, long skull with an underdeveloped sublacrimal-maxillary ridge.

Dental Features

Its teeth are uncrowned and evenly spaced.

Distribution Pattern

This mole has a disjunct distribution.

Core Geographic Range

It ranges from the western end of British Columbia, Canada through western Oregon and Washington, and also occurs in coastal parts of Northern California.

Outlying Range

An outlying part of its range extends into portions of west-central Idaho.

Habitat Generalism

The species is primarily fossorial, but it is not limited exclusively to underground habitats.

Surface Activity

Like many other mole species, it can come to the surface to scavenge and for juvenile dispersal, particularly during summer.

Habitat Types

It can live in, but is not restricted to, agricultural land, sand dunes, grassy meadows, sagebrush, deciduous forest, and several types of pine forest: yellow-pine, Douglas fir, spruce, hemlock, and redwood.

Mating Period

Mating typically occurs between late January and early March.

Mating Behavior

During the mating season, coast moles leave their usual solitary lifestyles, expand their tunnel systems, and will enter other coast moles' tunnel systems to search for a mate.

Gestation and Nursing Knowledge

Little is known about their gestation and nursing behaviors.

Reproductive Output and Maternal Care

Females produce only one litter per year, and maternal care is limited.

Reproductive Maturity

Offspring become reproductively active between nine and ten months after birth.