Pygmy Shrew

This article is about the Pygmy Shrew found in North America. For the Pygmy Shrew found in Europe and Asia, see Eurasian Pygmy Shrew (Sorex minutus).

The Pygmy Shrew, Sorex hoyi, is a small shrew found in Alaska, Canada and the northern United States. This is the smallest North American mammal by weight.

It is grey-brown or red-brown in colour with lighter underparts. The fur is greyer in winter. Its body is about 9 cm in length including a 3 cm long tail and it weighs about 3 g.

These animals are found in northern coniferous and deciduous forests and open wet areas. It is relatively uncommon.

These animals forage in moist soil and dead leaves. They eat insects, worms and small invertebrates. Predators include hawks, owls and snakes.

These animals are active day and night year-round. They mate in early summer. The female has one litter of 5 to 8 young in a burrow under a dead log or stump.