Shrew Moles Moles and Desmans: Talpidae

The land-living, tunneling moles have the greatest contact with humans. Their tunneling activity is beneficial in that it loosens the soil and actually helps plants to grow, but their plant-eating habits and the visible mole runs frequently make them an unwelcome guest in yards, gardens, and farm fields. At one time, people also hunted moles for their silky fur, which was used for collars and cuffs on women's clothing. People even hunted some species, like the Russian desman, for their scent, which was used in perfumes.