American Pygmy Shrew Sorex hoyi

Identification
This tiny shrew has brown fur and a pointed snout. It is one of the smallest mammals.

Location
Rare in Ohio

Size
0.1 ounces

Diet
It feeds on insects spiders and small invertebrates.

Habitat
It occurs in northern forests and bogs.

Activity Period
Year round

Behavior
It is active constantly due to high metabolism. It is active year round.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in summer.

Population
The population is small and localized.

History
It has long been present in Ohio.

Human Interactions
It rarely interacts with humans.

Facts
It is among the smallest mammals in the world.

Sources
ODNR NatureServe

Insects spiders small invertebrates | Forests bogs moist soils | Northern Ohio