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Northern Short-tailed Shrew

Northern Short-tailed Shrew

Blarina brevicauda

A small, robust insectivorous mammal native to eastern North America, characterized by its short tail and specialized predatory behavior.

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Northern Short-tailed Shrew
Northern Short-tailed Shrew
Northern Short-tailed Shrew
Northern Short-tailed Shrew
Northern Short-tailed Shrew
ADSENSE SLOT

Ecology & Habitat

Habitat

Diverse woodland environments including deciduous forests, mixed woodlands, grasslands, and suburban areas across northeastern United States and southeastern Canada

Ecological Role

Critical ecosystem controller through predation of invertebrates, soil insect regulation, and serving as prey for larger predators

Morphology

  • SKIN COAT Dense, velvet-like gray to black fur, providing thermal insulation and camouflage
  • LIMBS WINGS Short, powerful limbs adapted for burrowing and rapid movement through underground tunnels
  • HEAD SENSORY Tiny eyes, highly developed olfactory and tactile senses, pointed snout for probing soil and leaf litter
  • BODY STRUCTURE Compact body, approximately 11-14 cm total length, weighing 15-30 grams, with robust muscular build
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Gilles Gonthier from Canada
ADSENSE VERTICAL

Related Species in Soricidae