The star-nosed mole is found in Eastern Canada and parts of the northeastern United States ranging as far south as Georgia. This species of mole is probably one of the most unique looking creatures to be found in its habitat of low-lying wetlands. The star-nosed mole has a bizarre looking nose that protrudes in 22 fleshy projections, equally divided into two groups of 11. This results in a stunningly symmetrical appearance that resembles the shape a star burst, hence their name.
Features
The star-nosed mole uses its unique nasal appendages like tentacles to feel its way through its underground home. The typical star-nosed mole snout contains about 25,000 hyper-sensitive receptors that detect the presence of potential prey. This mole is functionally blind, so its one of a kind nose provides a sort of extra-sensory way of perceiving and traversing its environment. Their nose is not used to detect scent and also lacks any grasping capabilities. Instead, this sensory organ is completely distinct to the species and is an object of fascination for scientists and researchers.
Behavior
Star-nosed moles are renowned aquatic acrobats, able to hunt small prey such as fish, water insects, and amphibians with amazing speed and skill. They are considered to be one of the fastest hunters in the animal kingdom. Like all moles, the star-nosed variety are active during both the day and night. They do not hibernate or store food during the winter, and are skilled at tunneling through frozen waters to reach their prey. They live primarily in shallowly dug tunnels and superficial waterways.
These moles live in small colonies and mate during the late spring or early summer. Females bear 1-2 litters of babies annually, averaging 5 moles per pregnancy, with a gestation period of 45 days. The babies are nursed for about 1 month, leaving their nest shortly thereafter. The lifespan of these curious and reclusive creatures is not well researched. Although, scientists speculate it to be between 3-4 years. Check out this fun little documentary about a day in the life of a star-nosed mole.
Related article: 5 Common Animals That Live Underground
Featured Image from Agnieszka Bacal/Unsplash
