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Mark Billiau.


Premium (World), region Antwerp, Belgium

European Mole

The Mole is an almost blind but powerful mammal that spend nearly all its life underground in a tunnel system that is constantly extended.
Only occasionally he comes to the surface.

Those tunnels are used to hunt its prey (earthworms, insects and even mice) and are digged with large spade-like forepaws containing very robust claws.
The displaced earth is pushed to the surface and results in the characteristic molehills, so hated by gardeners and farmers.

Dutch name : Mol
German name : Maulwurf
Latin name : Talpa europaea

(ps: it looks a bit as the mole in my photo is dead, but I can guarantee you that he was alive and kicking !)

Comentarios 32

  • † Ushie Farkas 06/07/2011 4:07

    BRILLIANT, Mark! Gruß Ushie
  • stev.77 29/06/2011 20:26

    What a rare moment you caught! Seems to be an early event on a late summer day. Nice highlight areas in his coat. Thanx for your "P.S".:My first impression was also he was not alive. I'm impressed from your patience making such fotos, knowing that it takes a lot of time, to do so well!! un saludo, stev
  • EdelS 28/06/2011 20:17

    Ein Maulwurf in natura! Wundervoll diese Fotografie! Klasse!
    Liebe Grüße Edel
  • Dirk Leismann 26/06/2011 15:28

    Excellent shot -very rare to see those animals above the ground.

    Cheers,
    Dirk
  • Inez Correia Marques 23/06/2011 14:59

    they are cute, and yes they can creat problems in the gardens.. :-(
    still a love ly animal . Good moment Mark
  • Adele D. Oliver 22/06/2011 4:48

    Wow - you captured a mole!!!! He seems to just be emerging from his home in the ground. His powerful paws and strong nails are very impressive.... congratulations, a rare image!!!
    greetings, Adele
  • Silvia Simonato. 20/06/2011 16:48

    Esas garras son muy impresionantes!!!
    Saludos Silvia
  • Alfredo Yanez 19/06/2011 11:28

    Excelente y gracias por el informe!
    +++++++++++++++
    Saludos y buena luz*
    Alfredo
  • willy ombret 19/06/2011 9:18

    Très beau gros plan
    compliments
    willy ombret
  • aline64 19/06/2011 8:04

    impressionnante capture de cet animal !!!! bravo Mark
    amicalement
  • TeresaM 18/06/2011 19:30

    Tu as réalisé un excellent portrait de cette taupe, Mark !!
    Bravo pour cette photo.
    Amitiés & bonne soirée,
  • Lawson McCulloch 18/06/2011 16:10

    My compliments Mark on this wonderful capture.
    best wishes from Lawson.
  • Perry Blevins 18/06/2011 15:57

    Well captured Mark. Thanks for the info. I have seen plenty of the mole hills but haven't seen a mole yet. Thanks for sharing.
    Regards,
    Perry
  • Massimo Gherardi 18/06/2011 14:45

    You lucky man, he's not easy to catch!
    And I don't like him in my garden, indeed :-) at least he eates the snails from my salads
    Greetings, Massimo
  • Anhertz 18/06/2011 10:30

    Wow, das ist so selten sie lebend zu sehen!
    Mein kompliment!
    LG Anhertz