What is a star-nosed mole?

A star-nosed mole is a mole with a nose that is encircled by 22 hairless, fleshy tentacles. The tentacles prevent soil from entering the mole's nostrils and are a source of a highly advanced sense of touch for the blind animal.

The star-nosed mole is native to eastern North America. It is semiaquatic, able to swim almost as well as it tunnels under the earth. It loves to burrow in moist soils that end underwater. Water-repellent fur helps the mole transition from the water to dry land, while broad, scaly feet with large claws allow it to dig tunnels at a rapid rate.