Day 7: Star-nosed Mole

The star-nosed mole is easily identified by the twenty-two pink fleshy appendages ringing its snout which is used as a touch organ with more than 25,000 minute sensory receptors. These receptors are known as Eimer's organs, with which this hamster-sized mole feels its way around since they do not have good eyesight. With the help of its Eimer's organs, it may be perfectly poised to detect seismic wave vibrations. It is native to eastern North America and can be found in habitats with moist soil.