Why do moles have sensitive hairs on their noses and bodies?

Moles have poor vision, so they rely on acute senses of hearing and touch to navigate their environment and locate prey. Their noses and bodies are equipped with specialized sensory structures that allow them to detect and differentiate details of their surroundings.1

The muzzle of a mole is particularly sensitive, often featuring thousands of microscopic tactile structures known as Eimer’s organs. Additionally, moles possess sensory hairs along their muzzles and other parts of their bodies, including their large, spadelike forelimbs, which help them sense their environment. These tactile adaptations are essential for life underground, enabling moles to effectively forage and move through complex tunnel systems. In the case of the star-nosed mole, the muzzle is tipped with 22 fleshy, constantly moving tentacles that are sensitive to touch, ground vibrations, and even the electricity generated by the bodies of prey.1