Shrews

YOUR SHREW QUESTIONS: ANSWERED!

What do shrews look like?

Shrews are small mammals that look a little bit like mice, although they are not rodents like mice are. Shrews have long, pointed noses and small beady eyes. Their feet have five clawed toes. Their bodies are covered with short, velvety gray to black fur.

How big are shrews?

Shrews are some of the smallest mammals in the world. One species is only 2 inches long! Other species of shrews grow to be 5 or 6 inches long. Most shrews weigh only a few ounces.

What does a shrew eat?

Shrews eat earthworms, snails, slugs, insects, and other invertebrates. Sometimes they will also eat plant material. Occasionally, shrews eat mice, salamanders, and snakes. Shrews have a venomous bite, which helps them subdue their prey. This venomous bite is also quite painful to humans.

How much does a shrew eat?

Shrews have a very high metabolic rate. They must eat at least their own weight in food every single day. If they are deprived of food for even half a day, most will starve to death.

What type of habitat do shrews live in?

Shrews can be found in a wide variety of habitats, including upland or bottomland forests, grasslands, weedy fields, wetlands, and occasionally even buildings. Many shrews are nocturnal, meaning that they are active at night.