Southern Short-tailed Shrew

Blarina carolinensis

The Southern Short-tailed Shrew is a tiny mammal with a long nose and sharp teeth. It lives in forests and grasslands, hunting insects and worms for food.

Habitat: Forests, Grasslands

Appearance

The Southern Short-tailed Shrew has velvety, dark grey fur that sometimes appears brownish, a tiny, barely visible tail, and a long, pointed snout. Its eyes are very small and hidden, making it look distinct from a mouse or vole.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderSoricomorphaFamilySoricidaeGenusBlarina

Southern Short-tailed Shrew

Interesting facts

Southern Short-tailed Shrews are one of the few venomous mammals on Earth!

Their heart can beat over 800 times a minute when they are active!

They need to eat every few hours or they can starve to death!

They produce a musky scent to warn off predators and mark their territory.

Special abilities

Southern Short-tailed Shrew can inject a mild venom with its bite because of specialized glands, helping them subdue larger prey.

Southern Short-tailed Shrew can use high-pitched sounds to 'see' in the dark because of echolocation, helping them find prey.

Southern Short-tailed Shrew can dig extensive tunnels quickly because of their strong front claws, providing shelter and hunting grounds.

Measurements & details

Length: 7-10 cm
Weight: 0.01-0.03 kg
Lifespan: 1-2 years
Top Speed: 8 km/h
Litter Size: 3-8
Gestation: 20-22 days

Diet & Feeding

These tiny predators feast on insects, worms, and other small creatures found in the soil.

Primary Foods

Earthworms
Slugs
Snails
Beetle larvae
Crickets

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Barn Owl

Tyto alba

A common prey item for nocturnal hunters.

eaten by

Coyote

Canis latrans

Larger predators sometimes prey on shrews.

hunts

Common Earthworm

Lumbricus terrestris

A primary food source found in the soil.

eaten by

Corn Snake

Pantherophis guttatus

Snakes are opportunistic predators of small mammals.

Traits

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.

Grassland

These wide-open spaces are covered in grasses, often home to grazing animals and incredible predators! Experience the vastness of the plains.

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.

Regenerative

Imagine if you could grow back a lost arm or tail! Some incredible creatures have the power to regrow body parts, making them truly amazing survivors in nature.

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.