44 MAMMALS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS 



Eastern mole shrew; Large blarina; Eastern 

 short- tailed shrew. Blarina brevicauda (Say). 



This is a much larger mammal than the preceding, being 

 about 5 in. long, with stout, short tail. Often mistaken 

 for a true mole, the fore feet, however, serve to distinguish 

 them as they are very small and mouse like while the 

 true moles are very large and flipper like. This is the 

 commonest of our shrews, and might be called abundant 

 in the county. When seen in the daytime they seem rather 

 stupid. While sitting quietly at lunch on an island in the 

 Ipswich river, one came out within three feet of me, and I 

 easily caught him in my hand. They do not hibernate, 

 and may sometimes be seen on the snow even in the coldest 

 weather. They emit a disagreeable musky odor when 

 frightened, which serves as a protection to them from 

 many of their enemies. Cats will sometimes catch them 

 and play with them but I believe never eat them. Foxes 

 also catch them to take home for their young to play with. 

 Found in woods and fields everywhere. 



Family Talpid^e. 



Star-nosed mole ; Black mole ; Long-tailed 

 mole ; Swamp mole. Condylura cristata (Linne). 



This is the common mole of the county; it is found in 

 the bottomlands and swamps, usually near some body of 

 water. It is easily recognized by its peculiar star-shaped 

 nose. They make extensive tunnels which can be located 

 by the large piles of black dirt thrown up. They show no 

 fear of the water and are good swimmers. Many of them 

 die in the hot weather when away from the water, proba- 

 bly from thirst. 



