SHREW

Other Names: Water Shrew, Pygmy Shrew, Common Shrew

A shrew is about the same size as a mouse or a vole and can be recognized it by its long pointy nose and very sharp teeth. Ounce for ounce, a shrew is the most voracious animal on the planet. It hunts constantly, eating animals five times larger than itself. It will even go after birds at feeders and attack family pets.

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Description | Reproduction | Diet | Habitat

Description of the Shrew

Scientific Name:	Soricidae
Color:	Dusty gray
Weight:	½-1 ounce
Length:	3-4 inches
Tail Length:	As long as body – up to 4 inches
Body:	Small head & slender body; elongated snout
Ears:	Furry & do not stick out much above the hair on the head
Eyes:	Relatively large eyes
Lifespan:	1-2 years
Droppings:	¼ inch long; corkscrew shaped; dark color

Shrews Rodent Library - All About Shrews - Victor Shrew Control

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Reproduction of the Shrew

Litter Size:	4-6 pups per litter
No. of Litters:	3-4 litters per year
Sexual Maturity:	3 months
Gestation Period:	21 days
Breeding Season:	Outdoors: Spring & Fall; Shrews are solitary except when breeding

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Diet of the Shrew

Daily Amount:	1/2 ounce; can eat an amount equal to its weight in 24 hours
Daily Water:	Utilizes moisture in food
Daily Food:	Insects, beetles, spiders, meats, birds, mice, snakes

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Habitat of the Shrew

Geography:	Different shrew species are located all over North America
Nest Location:	Outdoor burrows near low-lying shrubbery; globular nests made of shredded leaves
Home Range:	Up to 1.5 acres
Active Periods:	More active at night than during the day

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