7 animals with the largest noses and the surprising ways they use them

In the animal world, every body part has a purpose, especially when it comes to survival. Take the nose, for example. While we often think of it as just for breathing or smelling, in some animals, it does a lot more.

Across forests, deserts, and oceans, certain species have evolved with unusually large or specially shaped noses. These unique noses help them find food, sense danger, attract mates, or understand their surroundings.

Here’s a look at seven animals that put their big noses to some fascinating use.

An elephant’s trunk is much more than just a nose. It works like a hand, a tool, and even a way to communicate. Elephants use their trunks to pick up food, spray water, greet each other, and even sense vibrations from a distance. It’s a powerful, flexible organ that plays a key role in almost everything they do.

The sawfish has a long, flat snout that looks like a saw, with sharp edges along the sides. But it’s not just for show– this “saw” helps the fish find and catch prey. The snout is packed with tiny sensors that can detect movement in murky water, making it a clever and effective tool for hunting underwater.

Tapirs have a small, trunk-like nose that works almost like a mini grabber. It helps them reach and pull in leaves, fruits, and branches, especially in dense forest areas. While it’s not as long as an elephant’s trunk, it’s flexible enough to help them access food in tricky spots.

Male proboscis monkeys are easily recognised by their big, droopy noses. They don’t use them for smelling or eating, but the nose still has an important role. It helps make their calls louder, which can attract females. In their case, the nose is more about communication and social bonding than survival.

The star-nosed mole doesn’t depend on its eyes to find food. Instead, it uses its unique star-shaped nose, which is full of sensitive nerve endings. These tiny tentacles help it quickly detect and identify prey underground. In fact, it’s one of the fastest hunters around, relying on touch rather than sight.

The aardvark’s long nose is perfect for sniffing out ants and termites at night. Its strong sense of smell helps it find insect nests hidden underground. Once it does, it digs them up with its powerful claws. Its nose can even close while feeding to keep out dust and bugs.

This tiny mammal has a pointed, flexible nose that it uses to sniff through leaves and soil for insects. It’s not as bendy as a trunk, but it still does the job well. The elephant shrew also relies on its sharp eyesight and hearing, with its nose giving it an extra edge while hunting.