This shrew is found throughout eastern and central N. America. It is believed to be common at Fontenelle Nature Center but is rarely seen except for deceased animals along trails. This photo was taken next to the Fontenelle Forest Visiors Center in early December. It is most common in moist forests but is also found in vegetable gardens, flower beds, fields and marshes. Other shrews spend more time above ground than does the Short-tailed Shrew, which prefers to tunnel along below ground, through the leaf litter or at the snow/ground interface.

This shrew is one of a few venomous mammals. The toxin it produces is strong enough to kill small animals, up to sizes somewhat larger than the shrew itself, and results in painful bites to humans who attempt to handle the shrew. Three well-developed scent glands are present, one on each side of the animal and one ventral. The scent may be used for marking territories, though the shrew’s sense of smell is thought to be poor. This animal has a high mortality rate, though it attempts to escape predation by remaining hidden under vegetation, soil, leaf litter, or snow.