Northern Short-tailed Shrew

Blarina brevicauda

The Northern Short-tailed Shrew is a tiny mammal with a long snout and velvety fur. It's a busy creature that loves to explore and hunt for insects in the dark.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Northern Short-tailed Shrew has a stout body covered in uniform dark slate grey fur, which is noticeably darker than most other shrews. It features a short, sparsely furred tail, a long pointed snout, and tiny eyes and ears almost hidden by its dense fur.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderSoricomorphaFamilySoricidaeGenusBlarina

Northern Short-tailed Shrew

Interesting facts

Shrews eat up to three times their body weight every single day to survive!

They can sometimes "caravan" their young, with each baby holding onto the tail of the one in front!

This tiny mammal has a heart that beats up to 1,200 times per minute!

Unlike most mammals, its teeth have reddish-brown tips from iron deposits, making them super strong!

Special abilities

Northern Short-tailed Shrew can inject paralyzing venom from glands in its jaw because it helps them subdue larger prey.

Northern Short-tailed Shrew can use high-frequency sounds to echolocate, which helps them find food and navigate in dark tunnels.

Northern Short-tailed Shrew can dig extensive underground tunnels because it provides shelter and helps them find hidden food sources.

Northern Short-tailed Shrew has an incredibly fast metabolism that helps them stay warm and active, even in cold conditions.

Measurements & details

Length: 10-13 cm
Weight: 0.015-0.028 kg
Lifespan: 1-2 years
Top Speed: 7 km/h
Litter Size: 4-10
Gestation: 20-22 days

Diet & Feeding

These tiny hunters eat bugs, worms, and even small animals to fuel their super-fast metabolism.

Primary Foods

Insects
Earthworms
Slugs
Snails
Small rodents
Salamanders

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus

Owls often prey on shrews, despite their potent bite.

eaten by

Red Fox

Vulpes vulpes

Foxes may hunt shrews, though often find them unpalatable.

hunts

Common Earthworm

Lumbricus terrestris

Shrews actively hunt earthworms in their underground tunnels.

hunts

White-footed Mouse

Peromyscus leucopus

Shrews can subdue and eat small rodents found in their habitat.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Furry

Find adorable animals covered in a cozy coat of soft fur! Their fur helps them stay warm and protected in different environments.

Burrowing

Dig deep and discover animals that build amazing homes underground! They create tunnels and chambers to stay safe, find food, or escape the weather.

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!

Forest

These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.

Nocturnal

Explore the secret world of animals that come alive at night! They are wide awake when it's dark, using their amazing senses to find food and play.

Venomous

Be amazed by animals that can inject special substances to defend themselves or catch their food! They deliver their potent dose through a bite or a sting.