Desert Gray Shrew

Notiosorex crawfordi crawfordi

The Desert Gray Shrew is one of the tiniest desert mammals, barely over 3 inches long, including its tail. It weighs less than a nickel. Nevertheless, the Desert Gray Shrew consumes an enormous amount of food, and cannot survive more than a few hours without eating. Though mouse-like, shrews are not rodents. They are more closely related to moles and hedgehogs.

Fun Fact:
These ravenous little insectivores eat so much that they can wear down their teeth in a year and a half.

What’s for Lunch:
Large, ground-dwelling insects

Where’s Home:
Coastal sage scrub, chaparral, riparian scrub