Common Shrew
Sorex araneus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Eulipotyphla · Soricidae
About
The common shrew, also known as the Eurasian shrew, is the most common shrew, and one of the most common mammals, throughout Northern Europe, including Great Britain, but excluding Ireland. It is 55 to 82 millimetres long and weighs 5 to 12 grams, and has velvety dark brown fur with a pale underside. It is one of the rare venomous mammals. Juvenile shrews have lighter fur until their first moult. The common shrew has small eyes, a pointed, mobile snout and red-tipped teeth. It has a life span of approximately 14 months.
Fun Fact
Common shrews have a metabolic rate so high they must eat every 2-3 hours or starve to death — their hearts beat up to 1,200 times per minute, the fastest of any mammal.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Grasslands and woodlands
Diet
Insectivore
Lifespan
1-2 years
Threats
- Illegal Logging
- Habitat Fragmentation