Size	Head and body measures approx. 3 inch with a short 1/2 inch tail (total 70-100mm).
Weight	Less than 1/4 oz (4 to 6.5g).
Conservation Status
Diet	Least shrews have a voracious appetite, in the wild they feed mainly on insects. At the Zoo the shrews receive a base diet of ground cat food with added oil. The enrichment portion of the diet includes a variety of insects which promotes normal feeding and foraging behaviors and contributes to the overall nutrient intake of the animal. Least shrews have an extremely high metabolism, so essentially they have to eat non-stop!
Geographic Range	The least shrew is found in the eastern United States as well as parts of Central America. They prefer open, non-agricultural and non-forested habitats which have become scarce, restricting the range of the species in many areas.
Where to find me in the Zoo	Small Mammal House

Least shrews have thick fur that is brown to black on top and white on the undersides. Their size, pointed snout and tiny eyes make it easy to differentiate them from other small mammals in the same habitat, such as voles, that are often confused with shrews.

Longevity

1-2 years

Behavior

The least shrew is more social than other species of shrew and are often found sharing nests with other individuals - up to 30 have been reported. Nests are small and lined with loose leaves and are usually found under rocks or logs. The nests are connected to the surface by burrows that the shrews may dig themselves - sometimes working as a team to dig more efficiently. They also use burrows dug by other species and natural cracks in the ground to move from place to place. Least shrews have a high metabolism and eat a huge amount for such a small animal. They are sometimes known as "bee-moles" because on occasion they enter bee hives and feed on the larvae. Least shrews are one of only a handful of venomous mammals in the world. It isn't clearly understood why they developed it since shrews are very accomplished hunters without the need for venom. Their saliva contains compounds similar to those found in cobra venom including hemotoxins that lower blood pressure and neurotoxins that cause paralysis. Lucky for the keepers, the bite of a least shrew is not dangerous to humans and rarely causes more reaction that a bee sting. One answer to this puzzle may be found in captive shrews that have been known to bite all of the insects they are offered and then take them back to their nest. The insects will remain alive for several days, which provides the shrew with a fresh store of food.

Reproduction

Least shrews give birth from March through November. Their litters range from 1-9 offspring but usually average about 5. The gestation period is 21-23 days. The young are born hairless except for short whiskers and develop quickly during the 20-23 days that they typically nurse. They reach maturity quickly and are ready to breed in 31-36 days.