Southern Short-tailed Shrew

About the Southern Short-tailed Shrew

The southern short-tailed shrew (Blarina carolinensis) is a gray, short-tailed shrew that inhabits the eastern United States. The southern short-tailed shrew is the smallest shrew in its genus, measuring 7 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) in total length, and weighing less than 14 g (0.5 oz). It has a comparatively heavy body, with short limbs and a thick neck, a long, pointed snout and ears that are nearly concealed by its soft, dense fur. As its name indicates, the hairy tail is relatively short, measuring 1.2 to 2.5 cm (0.5 to 1.0 in). The feet are adapted for digging, with five toes ending in sharp, curved claws. The fur is slate gray, being paler on the underparts.

The southern short-tailed shrew is found in the southeastern United States, from southern Virginia to eastern Texas, to central Oklahoma, and in the Mississippi valley as far as southern Illinois. Within this region, it is found primarily in pine forests. However, these range from dry to wet and even swampy habitats, as well as disturbed forests and abandoned agricultural land.

There are two recognized subspecies: B. c. carolinensis – southern Virginia to northern Florida, and west... Wikipedia →