About Scapanus townsendii (Bachman, 1839)
Species Nomenclature
Scapanus townsendii (Bachman, 1839) has velvety black fur, a pointed snout, and a short, thick tail with almost no hair.
Size and Weight
The species reaches a total length of around 21 cm (8.3 in), including a 4 cm (1.6 in) tail, and weighs approximately 138 grams (4.9 oz).
Paw Structure
Its front paws are broad, spade-shaped, and specialized for digging, while its rear paws are smaller.
Cranial and Sensory Features
It has 44 teeth, non-visible ears, and small eyes.
Similar Species
In appearance, it is similar to the smaller coast mole.
General Distribution and Habitat
This species occurs in open lowland and wooded areas with moist soils along the Pacific coast, ranging from southwestern British Columbia to northwestern California.
Canadian Range Size
The entire range of this animal in Canada is estimated to be 20 km² (7.7 mi²).
