Least Shrews, one of the smallest mammals in North America, the smallest in Missouri and averaging only 3" long, dig short tunnels and may use the same tunnels as moles and voles by creating numerous dime sized holes in the lawn for access. Like the mole, shrews are insectivores and can be found under logs and leaves and other places where insects are abundant. Researchers have found that Least shrews may reproduce several times during the mating season, which generally lasts from February to November. Gestation lasts an average of 21 to 23 days, the young are weaned at around 23 days and reach sexual maturity in approximately 6 weeks. Like moles, Least shrews must consume plenty of food and generally eat from 60-100% of their fully body weight every day. Least shrews, like the mole, are insectivores and their diet consists of most insects and their larva as well as centipedes, crickets and snails. When food is in short supply least shrews may resort to cannibalism. When trapping voles I have captured shrews as well and the carcasses of both had been eaten by other shrews. It is rare that shrews become a nuisance but on occasion I have found dozens upon dozens of holes in gardens and near ornamental plants that included both shrew and vole activity. A bit of habitat modification can generally rid your lawn of these pests. This includes removing old logs, brush, leaves, boards, rocks and other items from shady, damp areas that insects are drawn to and keeping your lawn cut short.
The picture below shows the relative size of each animal.
Least Shrew
T-B: Shrew, Vole, Mole
This double capture included both a shrew and a vole that were using the same tunnel system near some ornamentals.
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