Species MammalsSouthern Short-tailed Shrew

Southern Short-tailed Shrew

Blarina carolinensis

CommonMammal
Illustration of Southern Short-tailed Shrew (Blarina carolinensis)

The Southern Short-tailed Shrew is nearly identical to the northern species but smaller and restricted to the southeastern United States. Like its northern relative, it produces venomous saliva used to immobilize earthworms and other prey that are cached alive for later consumption. It is an important insectivore in southeastern forest floors, controlling invertebrate populations.

Habitat
Southeastern deciduous forests, old fields, and marshes
Diet
Insects, earthworms, and small vertebrates
How common
Common

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