Pygmy+Shrew

By: Andrea Whitney__ ** ​ **Family:** Shrews (Soricidae) **Size Range:** Length is three to four inches including tail (7.5-10 cm)
 * __ PYGMY SHREW
 * Weight Range:** 1/8 oz. (4 g)
 * Lifespan:** 1 year
 * Habitat:** Coniferous forests, brushy fields
 * Food:** Insectivore, Carnivore; Eats beetles, crickets, spiders, grassshoppers, worms, and some small amphibians
 * Number of offspring:** 2-8 offspring 1-2 times a year
 * Gestation:** 18-20 days
 * More about the Pygmy Shrew:** The pygmy shrew is one of the smallest and rarest animals in Minnesota and North America. It's known mostly to inhabit areas of coniferous forest only. This shrew stands on its hind legs in a kangaroo fashion. The pygmy shrew runs in quick spurts and is able to jump several feet in the air. It uses primarily its sense of smell to hunt.


 * How to identify it:** The pygmy shrew is larger than the masked shrew and the least shrew. It is darker in color than the masked shrew as well. Its homes are made from dry plant materials and have two openings, so you might be able to identify it that way as well.


 * Range map:**


 * __ Sources __**