Southern Short-tailed Shrew
ExploreMammals
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
Category
MammalsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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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
Ability
Venomous Bite
Southern Short-tailed Shrew can inject a mild venom with its bite because of specialized glands, helping them subdue larger prey.
Ability
Echolocation Navigation
Southern Short-tailed Shrew can use high-pitched sounds to 'see' in the dark because of echolocation, helping them find prey.
Ability
Rapid Digging
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
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Regenerative
Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Venomous
Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting.
Also known as
Carolina ShrewSouthern Shrew
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Avoid handling wild shrews as they can bite when scared. Admire them from a safe distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Southern Short-tailed Shrew?
7-10 cm
How much does Southern Short-tailed Shrew weigh?
0.01-0.03 kg
How long does Southern Short-tailed Shrew live?
1-2 years
How fast can Southern Short-tailed Shrew move?
8 km/h
What does Southern Short-tailed Shrew eat?
These tiny predators feast on insects, worms, and other small creatures found in the soil.
Where is Southern Short-tailed Shrew usually found?
Forests, Grasslands
How does Southern Short-tailed Shrew hunt?
Foraging
How many babies does Southern Short-tailed Shrew usually have?
3-8
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