Shrew << shroo >> is a small animal that looks like a sharp-nosed mouse. Some shrews rank among the smallest known mammals. The tiniest shrews weigh as little as a small coin. Shrews live in both the Eastern and the Western hemispheres. They make their homes in fields, woodlands, gardens, and marshes.
Shrews are often mistaken for mice because of their small size. Shrews have long, slender snouts which they can move to explore small holes and crevices for food. Their eyes and ears are tiny, and their bodies are covered with short, dark hair. One of the largest shrews, the water shrew of North America, grows about 6 inches (15 centimeters) long. One of the smallest, the Etruscan shrew, measures about 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) long. It lives in southern parts of Europe and Asia, as well as in northern Africa.
Shrews eat insects and worms chiefly, but they sometimes kill and eat birds and other small creatures. They even attack mice larger than themselves. Shrews are fierce fighters. Some shrews produce venom (poison). These species have distinctive red-tipped teeth. Shrews must eat almost continuously during the day to satisfy their high energy requirements. Foxes, owls, and weasels prey upon shrews. But the shrew’s strong musky odor protects it against predators.
Shrews are harmless to people. However, a bite from one of the venomous species can cause extreme pain in the wounded area. Shrews prove useful in gardens because they eat insects and grubs.
See also Elephant shrew; Tree shrew.
