Shrew Mole

Description:

The American shrew-mole (Neurotrichus gibbsii) is the smallest North American mole. It is the only living member of the genus Neurotrichus and the tribe Neurotrichini. It is also known as Gibb's shrew mole, and least shrew mole.[3] It is not closely related to the Asian shrew moles (Uropsilus and Urotrichini). It is found in damp forested or bushy areas with deep loose soils in the northwestern United States and southwestern British Columbia. It has dark grey fur, a long flattened snout and has a short but thick bristled tail. It is about 10 centimetres (3.9 in) in length including a 3 centimetres (1.2 in) long tail and weighs about 10 grams (0.35 oz). Its front paws are smaller and do not face outwards from the body as in more fossorial moles, and so are more similar to those of shrews. It has 36 teeth. This mole is often active above ground, foraging in leaf litter for earthworms, insects, snails and slugs. It is able to climb bushes. Predators include owls, hawks and mustelids. Females have litters with 1 to 4 young

Habitat:

Spotted in Coastal Redwood Forest in San Mateo County, California.

Notes:

The Shrew-Mole makes a shallow burrow and is often seen aboveground hunting for food.