A Hidden Little Pest – A Riddle

We live in holes, all by ourselves, and alone

To some we’re cute, to others pests

we eat prey that falls in our traps

and in the ground we build our nests.

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We’re blind and solitary, we do damage a lot

we only meet when it is time to mate.

in some countries we are caught in traps

others protect by law our fate.

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Per litter we can have five babies

then we part our ways.

the father runs off to his future path

it’s only the mother who feeds and stays.

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We’re small, but we’re agile and mostly overseen

There are numerous classes of us little bro’s.

There’s one species human who hates us mammals

it’s the fella who takes care of the yard and mows.

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Our breathing is unusual, we need less oxygen

than other mammals and still we can survive

in smallest burrows and tight little holes

and do we feel humans see us, be sure we will dive.

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We can damage plant roots by digging

and we do build really annoying hills.

However, we’re constructors with great noses

and don’t have to pay bills.

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Our saliva is poison, we can use it to paralize

our pray and store it for later intake.

We live in the country, by creeks, and humid ground

and we prefer water, and sometimes live close to the lake.

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We’re small and often forgotten

I’m sure by the time I talked about a hole

you have already guessed what I am.

Of course, I’m a mole!

*****

(Copyright Aurora Jean Alexander, May 2021)

Picture courtesy of Facts About Moles | Mole Facts | Havahart US