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The Pygmy Srew is able to thrive in a great variety of habitats and vegetation types. It can live where the environment is wet, dry, cold, or warm. This tiny animal exudes a strong musky-smelling substance. It is very agile and can jump as high as 110 mm. Its snout is long, with conspicuous whiskers, and is constantly in motion. Pygmy Shrews have a variety of calls, including purrs, whispers, squeaks, and high-pitched whistling sounds. Snakes, hawks, cats, and foxes all prey on them, and they, in turn, prey on small arthropods and worms, and eat some plant matter.
Length:
Average:
98.2 mm
Range:
66-106 mm
Weight:
Range:
2.1-7.3 g
References:
Baird, S. F., 1857. Mammals: general report upon the zoology of the several Pacific railroad routes. Vol. 8, pt. 1, p. 32, in Reports of explorations and surveys to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. Senate executive document no. 78, Washington, D.C., 757 pp.
Links:
Mammal Species of the World
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Sorex hoyi - winter
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