They're actually quite frail.
Star-nosed moles, as I recall, can be killed by falling into a deep tire tread- a matter of only a couple of inches. They live underground where they generally don't get jostled around. By contrast, a mouse or a squirrel may fall while climbing, so they tend to be rather tough.

So yes, even a gentle underhand toss into a pile of leaves would likely be fatal. But so what? Kill the little fuckers! KILL THEM DEAD!
( The Resident Loon Not a demographic. Do not measure., Thu 22 Dec 2011, 20:11, 1 reply)

I've caught a mole in the past,
Imagine a toilet roll with fat legs, but constructed entirely from the hard muscle needed to burrow fast. I've a feeling your common or garden euro mole may be tougher than you realise. Can't comment on the lovely star nose though.
*Based entirely on zero scientific research*
( Blind Meach Cautiously optimistic, Thu 22 Dec 2011, 22:02, closed)

There really is only one way to find out. As you've caught infinitely more moles than I have, I'm nominating you as the official QOTW Research Dept. in this matter.
( Happy Phantom has been to Hastings, Brighton, and Eastbourne too, Thu 22 Dec 2011, 23:03, closed)