MOLES have been dealt with in the United States 

 chiefly as a i nuisance, but in some European 

 countries they are trapped extensively not only to 

 be rid of them as a pest but also to harvest their 

 pelts. Millions of European moleskins have been 

 used by fur manufacturers in this country and until 

 recently have furnished the sole supply. The fact 

 that the skins of some American moles, especially 

 those found in western Washington and Oregon, are 

 larger and have better texture than those from Eu- 

 rope has been recognized, and there is now a de- 

 mand for American moleskins by some important 

 American fur dealers. The pelt of the common 

 mole of the Eastern States, though smaller, is about 

 the same quality as that of the European species, 

 and if collected in sufficient numbers to create a 

 demand might be marketed at a slight profit. The 

 propagation of moles for their fur, however, is im- 

 practicable. 



^ All species of moles live chiefly upon earthworms 

 and insects that inhabit the ground. To the extent 

 that they destroy insects they are beneficial to the 

 farmer; but they often work in lawns and newly 

 planted gardens, doing considerable damage by 

 heaving up the soil and undermining tender plants. 

 While all are undesirable in such places, no general 

 w^arfare against an unobjectionable insectivorous 

 mammal should be encouraged. 



There is now a steady demand in the fur industry 

 for American moleskins, and the development of a 

 market for them will stimulate trapping. This is 

 especially desirable in localities where moles are 

 troublesome. 



Contribution from the Bureau of Biological Survey 

 K. W. NKLSOIN. Chief 

 Washington, 1). G. Issued Marcli, 1922 



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