Sorex araneus; the Common Shrew (Nussrow)
The population of the common shrew in the UK is estimated at 40,000,000; it is in fact the second most common mammal with the field vole (Microtus agrestis) being the most common. It is smaller than the water shrew (Neomys fodiens) and is dark brown above with a nearly white underside.
It typically burrows at the edges of woodlands, or in hedgerows and tufts of grass on meadows, surviving by eating a range of invertebrates like beetles, spiders, slugs and earthworms. One of the most incredible facts about this little mammal is that it can detect prey up to 12cm beneath the surface whilst it hunts.
It typically burrows at the edges of woodlands, or in hedgerows and tufts of grass on meadows, surviving by eating a range of invertebrates like beetles, spiders, slugs and earthworms. One of the most incredible facts about this little mammal is that it can detect prey up to 12cm beneath the surface whilst it hunts.