402 
SCOUTING FOR GIRLS 
RACCOON AT ENTRANCE TO ITS DEN IN A HOLLOW TREE 
A near relative of the bears. Note the black face-mark and the 
ringed tail. Range: This or a related variety occurs in all parts 
of United States. Photograph from American Museum of Natural 
History. 
food devoured the Opossum probably does more good 
than harm. 
In their food habits many mammals are decidedly 
injurious. Rats, Weasels, Minks, and Foxes destroy 
poultry; Wolves and Pumas kill domestic and game 
animals; Woodchucks or Groundhogs eat clover and 
various garden plants ; Moles damage the lawns ; Rats, 
Mice, and Gophers spoil and devour grain; Mice and 
Rabbits girdle fruit trees, thus killing them. 
On the other hand, many mammals furnish food ; 
e. g. y Rabbits, Elk, and Deer. This was more important 
in pioneer times than at present. Many furnish furs 
used as articles of clothing; e -. g., Raccoon, Fox, Musk- 
rat, Mink, Otter, Marten, Mole, New York Weasel and 
other northern weasels in their winter coats. 
