antlered small mole-like mammal?
Posted by HENRY STOINSKI on October 3, 2007
Q: Very manny years ago when I was around 8 years old I thought I saw a small mole-like mammal that had something that looked like antlers. It came out of a hole, darted in front of me, and went back another hole. This was in a swampy area. I have searched reference books without luck. I have seen grounhogs with saber-like teeth, so my thinking is it may have been some kind of boney outgrowth. Any sugetions besides a poor memory? As a point of interest, this was the same area the Hadrosaurus was first found.
Habitat: swamp
State: New Jersey
Habitat: swamp
A: As I read your question, I had a definite image of what you may have seen and then when I saw your state and habitat, was quite sure. I'll bet money that you saw a Star-nosed Mole (Condylura cristata). This is a very interesting animal and one that most people never see so great that you did get a chance. Check out our unit on this animal at www.enaturalist.org If you go online and google this mole you should get some photos so you can confirm my identity. Hope I've nailed it for you and thanks for writing.
John Wiessinger ( October 3, 2007)