Species MammalsDwarf Shrew

Dwarf Shrew

Sorex nanus

RareMammal
Illustration of Dwarf Shrew (Sorex nanus)

The Dwarf Shrew is a tiny, poorly known shrew of high mountain slopes in the southern Rocky Mountains, found in Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico at elevations up to 13,000 feet. It is one of the least-frequently captured shrew species in the West, suggesting either low densities or very specialized microhabitat requirements. Its alpine habitat makes it particularly vulnerable to climate-driven upslope range shifts.

Habitat
Alpine meadows and talus in the southern Rocky Mountains
Diet
Insects, spiders, and small invertebrates
How common
Rare

Not certain it is a Dwarf Shrew? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Dwarf Shrew sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Dwarf Shrew? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Dwarf Shrew is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love mammals? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More mammals

Dwarf Sperm Whale
Dwarf Sperm Whale
Kogia sima
Eastern Chipmunk
Eastern Chipmunk
Tamias striatus
Eastern Cottontail
Eastern Cottontail
Sylvilagus floridanus
Eastern Coyote
Eastern Coyote
Canis latrans
Eastern Fisher
Eastern Fisher
Pekania pennanti
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
Eastern Mole
Eastern Mole
Scalopus aquaticus
Eastern Red Bat
Eastern Red Bat
Lasiurus borealis