210 FUR FACTS 



As to seasonal activity, it may be said that moles are probably 

 never dormant, that they never hibernate. They may be trapped at 

 any time of the year when the ground is not frozen too hard to permit 

 the working of the trap. It must be understood however, that ex- 

 tension of surface runways occurs mainly at times when soil con- 

 ditions are favorable — after rains in the summer or during periods of 

 thawing in the winter. At other times the mole may secure his food 

 by retraversing his old runs or by working at depths unaffected by 

 frost or drought. Movements of soil-inhabiting worms, insects, and 

 larvae tend to bring ever fresh supplies of food into the moles' pas- 

 sageways. 



By reason of its secluded life the mole is little subject to attacks 

 by many foes of other small mammals. Its burrow is so small that 

 no formidable enemies except the weasels or snakes can follow in the 

 passageways, and as it seldom leaves these there is little chance of 

 its being seen by predatory animals. However, the movement of 

 the soil when a mole is working near the surface may readily be de- 

 tected by a watchful foe, and it is probable that hungry foxes and 

 coyotes secure a tidbit now and then by springing suddenly upon a 

 disturbed spot of earth and hurriedly digging out the furry little 

 miner. On the other hand, there is evidence that moles are distaste- 

 ful to some animals, for they are seldom eaten by domestic cats and 

 dogs which have learned to catch them. A peculiarly disagreeable 

 odor attaching to the mole may account for its not being relished by 

 the carnivora. It is quite likely, also, that the dense soft fur is 

 objectionable to some animals. 



The mole may be a comparatively slow breeder and still maintain 

 its normal numbers from year to year. Such is found to be the case. 

 The little animal breeds but once a year and the number of young at 

 birth averages about four. They are produced in March or early 

 April. Development after birth is comparatively rapid. 



How to Trap 

 A number of excellent traps are on the market and most of them 

 will give good results if properly set. However, the mechanism of a 

 trap is of secondary importance to the operator's knowledge of the 

 mole's works and ways. A mole trap can be successfully operated 

 only when set on that part of a runway that is near enough to the 

 surface to upridge the sod or soil. A little observation will soon 

 enable one to distinguish newer and more frequently used runways 

 from those that have been partially or wholly abandoned. A little 



