Star-nosed mole
Condylura cristata
![mole BB](https://www.sfzoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/mole-BB-scaled.jpg)
![mole and nose BB](https://www.sfzoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/mole-and-nose-BB-scaled.jpg)
Fascinating Facts
- They are good swimmers and divers and have large feet and claws for digging.
- Very unique appearance with 22 fingerlike appendages surrounding its nostrils.
- These sensitive appendages are used for object manipulation and perhaps for detection of electrical signals emitted by prey in the water.
Habitat/Diet
Seldom far from bodies of water. The star-nosed mole prefers wet soils in flood plains, swamps, meadows, and other openings near water.  They eat aquatic invertebrates, earthworms and small fish.
Status in the Wild
Least Concern – IUCN 2008
Range
Northeastern United States and southeastern Canada
Location in the Zoo
Mammals Zone of the Sculpture Learning Plaza