Star-nosed Mole 
Range. Northern North America, south to the mountains of New 
Jersey and the Alleghanies. 
This is a distinctly northern animal, occurring for the most part 
above the range of the common mole. Its habits seem to be 
essentially similar to those of the latter species, though, according 
to Prof. Baird, it constructs its burrows at a greater distance 
below the surface of the ground. Dr. Merriam, who found it 
common on the edge of the Adirondack wilderness, though not 
in the coniferous forests, says: ‘‘Its habits, so far as I am aware, 
resemble those of its nearest relative (Scalops aquaticus), except 
that its mounds do not contain a chamber and surface-opening, 
and its galleries are usually made a little deeper. Like this species, 
it is most common in dry meadow lands, while the star-nosed is 
usually found in moist and swampy places. It is not known to 
indulge in the little ‘noonday excursions’ which are character- 
istic of the last-named species.” 
On the Pennsylvania Alleghanies this mole occurs in com- 
pany with various other northern animals and birds, which find 
there, in the higher altitude, the same congenial conditions of 
environment that prevail at lower levels much farther north. 
Star-nosed Mole 
Condylura cristata (Linnzus) 
Length. 6.80 inches. 
Description. Dark brownish gray, paler beneath, tail long .and 
hairy—sometimes very thick at the base. Snout with a re- 
markable naked appendage, somewhat resembling a star. 
Range. Northern North America, south through the middle states 
and farther in the mountains. 
The star-nosed mole is a creature almost as well-fitted for 
a partially aquatic life as the otter and mink, and, as a matter 
of fact, does pass most of its time about the water; pushing ex- 
tensive tunnels through the black peaty soil of swamps and along 
the borders of little brooks and ponds. The soft, black loam is 
thrown up in frequent heaps a foot, more or less, in diameter; 
the opening of the burrow being under the bank, and as often 
beneath the water as above. The tunnel itself must frequently 
be flooded to the great discomfort of its inmates. 
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