northern short-tailed shrew

The northern short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda) is one of three species of North American insectivores that resemble voles. These shrews have small, hidden ears and eyes, with reddish-tipped teeth. They are among the largest North American shrews, weighing up to 30 grams. Their fur is dense and velvety, typically brownish-gray, slate, or black. They are active day and night, foraging for invertebrates, small vertebrates, roots, nuts, berries, seeds, and fungi. Short-tailed shrews consume about half their body weight daily and must drink frequently. They travel on the ground and in burrows, using echolocation and vocalizations to navigate and find prey. Their saliva contains toxins to immobilize prey, which they store for later consumption.12