The star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata) is a small mammal found in wetlands and moist lowland areas across eastern North America. This subterranean creature has captured public attention due to the ring of 22 fleshy, pink appendages encircling its nostrils. The unusual structure of the mole’s snout often leads people to question whether the animal poses a physical threat to humans or household pets. This article examines the mole’s biology to provide context regarding the actual risks associated with this unique species.
The Star-Nosed Mole’s Unique Appearance and Diet
The star-like formation on the mole’s snout is a highly specialized sensory organ, not a weapon. This structure is covered with approximately 25,000 minute sensory domes known as Eimer’s organs, making the mole’s nose an extraordinarily sensitive touch receptor. These organs allow the functionally blind mole to perceive its surroundings and detect prey underground with exceptional speed and precision. The star-nosed mole is the fastest forager among mammals, capable of identifying and consuming a small item in as little as 120 milliseconds.
The star-nosed mole is an insectivore and carnivore, primarily eating earthworms, insect larvae, and other small invertebrates. They are also semi-aquatic and actively forage in the water for small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. This diet means the mole has no interest in human food sources or aggressive interaction with larger mammals. Their specialization is devoted entirely to finding and consuming small prey in dark, subterranean, or aquatic environments.
Assessing the Threat to Humans and Pets
Star-nosed moles do not possess venom, large fangs, or claws designed for fighting large predators. They are solitary animals that spend most of their time underground, making encounters with humans or pets rare. Their primary defense mechanism is avoidance, quickly retreating into their tunnels when threatened.
Bites from a star-nosed mole are extremely uncommon and almost exclusively occur when the animal is handled, trapped, or cornered. Like any small animal, they will bite in self-defense if they feel threatened. The small size and non-aggressive nature of the star-nosed mole mean they pose virtually no physical threat to a dog or cat. A curious pet might receive a minor bite if it attempts to catch or play with a mole, but the mole’s weak physical strength makes serious injury unlikely.
Disease Transmission Concerns
The risk of disease transmission from a star-nosed mole directly to a human or pet is low. While any mammal can contract and carry the rabies virus, moles are not considered primary carriers due to their solitary, subterranean lifestyle. There are no reported cases of rabies transmission from this species.
A greater concern involves the external parasites that the moles may carry, such as fleas, ticks, and mites. These parasites can transfer from the mole’s fur to pets or humans upon contact, potentially transmitting diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or tularemia. This risk is best mitigated by avoiding direct handling of any wildlife and monitoring pets for parasites after they have been outdoors.
Property and Ecological Impact
The star-nosed mole’s preferred habitat significantly reduces its impact on manicured residential lawns compared to other mole species. They favor moist soils, wetlands, and areas near streams or lakes, often building their tunnels near water sources. This semi-aquatic preference means they are less likely to cause widespread damage in dry, upland yards.
Their tunneling activity involves creating shallow surface runways for feeding and deeper tunnels for nesting. While these tunnels can disrupt the soil, the star-nosed mole’s presence is often less problematic than that of the common mole. Furthermore, the mole’s diet of insect larvae and grubs helps control common garden pests, providing a beneficial ecological role.