 Moles are considered agricultural pests in some countries, while in others, such as Germany, they are a protected species, but may be killed with a permit.Problems cited as caused by moles include contamination of silage with soil particles, making it unpalatable to livestock, the covering of pasture with fresh soil reducing its size and yield, damage to agricultural machinery by the exposure of stones, damage to young plants through disturbance of the soil, weed invasion of pasture through exposure of freshly tilled soil, and damage to drainage systems and watercourses.Other species such as weasels and voles may use mole tunnels to gain access to enclosed areas or plant roots.