Star-nosed mole

Condylura cristata

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