[3] The name was selected at the request of Thomas Nuttall as a patronym to honor Townsend's contribution.

[4][3] It is found in open lowland and wooded areas with moist soils along the Pacific coast from southwestern British Columbia to northwestern California.

Townsend's mole is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN; however, in Canada it is considered an endangered species.

[5] It has velvety black fur, a pointed snout and a short, thick, a tail with barely any hair.

Townsend's mole spends most of its time underground, foraging in shallow burrows for earthworms, small invertebrates and plant material.