Even one can deliver pain that lasts for days due to venom secreted from their salivary glands. As shrews eat many unwanted insects, they can be beneficial in yards or gardens. Up and Down arrows will open main level menus and toggle through sub tier links. A good way to identify a shrew is by its small size. Characteristics: Shrews are small, mole-like mammals that look a bit like long-nosed mice.They have an elongated snout with dense fur of a uniform color, usually gray to black with small eyes and five clawed toes on each foot. The hind feet are small and narrow with slender, sharp claws. Though shrews may look like rodents with their short, gray fur, they actually belong to the insectivore family. A shrew will fit neatly into a tablespoon. Aside from frightening residents, the pests may bite when handled. Why do we need this? What is the difference between a mole, a vole and a shrew? LEARN HOW TO STOP THE INVASIVE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY, Coronavirus: Information and resources for the Extension Community, Moles have large paddle-like forefeet used for digging. These pests reach only three to four inches in length, including their tails, and weigh about an ounce or two. These pests reach only three to four inches in length, including their tails, and weigh about an ounce or two. They have long snouts, short legs, and relatively small tails. Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items. Most are small and grey or brown in color. The site navigation utilizes arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. Despite shews' size, their bites pack a punch. Moles live underground and are specialized for life underground. View our privacy policy. All rights reserved. Their feet have large claws for digging. All species of shrew are considerably smaller. However, they are still unwelcome guests indoors. House shrews, the most common variety, are one of the smallest mammal species on the planet. Foul-smelling secretions from special scent glands help protect shrews from predation. The pygmy shrew is the smallest mammal in North America and the second-smallest in the entire world. How big is the animal? Shrews are much smaller than moles (3 to 4 inches in body length) and are mouse-like in appearance with a long, pointed snout, a short dense coat of fur, and small eyes. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them as well. Image by Michael David Hill, Wikimedia. Voles are rodents and are about the same size as moles (4 to 6 inches in body length) with relatively large black eyes, small ears, a blunt face, and prominent orange front teeth for gnawing. Color: Usually gray to black in color. Shrews hunt for insects above ground and in tunnels made by moles or voles. Shrews (family Soricidae) are small mole-like mammals classified in the order Eulipotyphla. True shrews are not to be confused with treeshrews, otter shrews, elephant shrews, or the West Indies shrews, which belong to different families or orders. Get notified when we have news, courses, or events of interest to you. Left and right arrows move across top level links and expand / close menus in sub levels. House shrews, the most common variety, are one of the smallest mammal species on the planet. © Copyright Critter Control. This adaptation allows moles to travel both forward and backward through the soil. When the shrew encounters its prey – often an invertebrate, but it can also be a mouse or other vertebrate – it begins biting it, … Though both animals are small, shrews are identified by their elongated snouts and miniscule eyes. Their small eyes and the openings of the ears are concealed in the fur, and there are no external ears. Shrews do not create surface tunnels but may feed in runways or tunnels of other small mammals. ••• Typical Shrew Appearance. The world's largest mole is the Russian desman, a mere 8 inches long, while the largest vole reaches just over 9 inches. Navigate to homepage. The most noticeable characteristic are the paddle-like forefeet which are bent sideways for digging. Effects of shale gas development on forests and birds, Wildlife habitat management on private lands. See All Pest, Disease and Weed Identification, See All Beer, Hard Cider, and Distilled Spirits, See All Community Planning and Engagement. Additionally, house mice typically have bicolored fur and live in large groups, while shrews have solid-colored coats and are solitary. Since they feed on insects, shrews are commonly found in yards. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. By entering your email, you consent to receive communications from Penn State Extension. Entering your postal code will help us provide news or event updates for your area. You can see how small a shrew … Meadow voles, the most common voles in Pennsylvania, are herbivores and eat a variety of grasses, seeds, and roots. Mole fur is short, soft, velvety, and when brushed offers no resistance in either direction. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. Though shrews may look like rodents with their short, gray fur, they actually belong to the insectivore family. Shrews look a little like mice, but they are not closely related genetically. Home Wildlife Control . However, once winter arrives, they may seek shelter in garages, sheds, and basements. Good question. Shrews do not create underground tunnels, but instead use those created by moles and other burrowing species to forage under the earth’s surface. All three are small mammals that can be found in your yard. If residents suspect a shrew infestation, contacting the professionals at Critter Control is the best way to identify and resolve the problem. Image by G. San Julian. Shrews are much smaller than moles (3 to 4 inches in body length) and are mouse-like in appearance with a long, pointed snout, a short dense coat of fur, and small eyes. Moles and shrews belong to the order Insectivora and as the name suggests feed primarily on insects and invertebrates. The shrew lacks hollow fangs (as in venomous snakes) but instead has a gland that allows saliva to flow with the venom. Description of the Shrew. Shrews do not create surface tunnels but may feed in runways or tunnels of other small mammals. They range anywhere in size from just over an inch long to about six inches long, but most are around the size of your average mouse. Critter Control Logo. When people stumble upon these tiny pests, they frequently mistake them for mice.