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How do Old World water shrews use toxic saliva?
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shrew
Water shrew (Neomys anomalus).
Old World water shrews (genus Neomys) use their toxic saliva specifically for the purpose of immobilizing their prey.1
These amphibious mammals belong to the family Soricidae and are among the few shrew species that produce such toxins to aid in hunting. By delivering this toxic saliva, they are able to subdue and capture the various invertebrates and small vertebrates that make up their diet.21