Common Mole Scalopus aquaticus aquaticus 

 Note the modified fore feet. 

 Courtesy U. S. Biological Survey. 



The mole feeds on earthworms and insects and 

 renders a real service in destroying cut worms, wire- 

 worms, "grubs" and the larvae of other destructive 

 forms, which seriously injure the roots of growing 

 plants. 



In its search for food, the creature will often 

 invade lawns and golf courses, where its ridges spoil 

 the evenness of the short grass, and it does not hesitate 

 to swim streams when there is a migratory impetus. 

 The mole nests in a large chamber which is con- 

 structed along one of its runways. The nest is lined 

 with soft grasses and dried leaves. There are usually 

 from three to five young in a litter and, although there 

 are probably several litters, it is not certain as to the 

 number of breeding periods in a year. 

 -«^; 67 >«*- 



