Short Tailed Shrew Blarina brevicauda
Identification
This shrew has dark fur and a short tail. It has venomous saliva used to subdue prey.
Location
Common statewide
Size
0.5 to 1 ounce
Diet
It feeds on insects worms and small vertebrates.
Habitat
It occurs in forests fields and wetlands.
Activity Period
Year round
Behavior
It is active day and night and uses tunnels and leaf litter for cover. It is active year round.
Lifecycle
Breeding occurs from spring through summer.
Population
The population is stable statewide.
History
It has long been widespread in Ohio.
Human Interactions
It rarely interacts with humans.
Facts
It is one of the few venomous mammals.
Sources
ODNR NatureServe
Insects worms small vertebrates | Forests fields wetlands | Statewide