Where do short-tailed shrews live in North America?

Short-tailed shrews (genus Blarina) are found across a broad range in North America, extending from southern Canada through the north-central and northeastern United States, reaching as far south as eastern Texas and Florida.1

These mammals are highly adaptable to various environments within their range, provided the habitat offers sufficient cover and soil that is well-drained yet moist enough to maintain humid burrows. Their specific habitats include:1

• Eastern regions: Hardwood and coniferous forests.1
• Western portions of their range: Areas characterized by tall or dense grass.1
• Gulf of Mexico: Palmetto groves.1

They spend much of their time underground in tunnel systems they excavate themselves or occupy from other burrowing animals, often nesting beneath rotting logs, tree stumps, rocks, or building foundations.1