Mammals
Least Shrew
Cryptotis parva · also called little short-tailed shrew
Huddling together with several others inside a shared nest of woven grass, a group of least shrews break from the typically solitary, combative habits of their family, the smallest shrew species in North America finding safety and warmth in numbers.
Overview
The least shrew, Cryptotis parva, is the smallest shrew species native to grassland and forest habitat across eastern and central North America, extending into parts of Central America. Its unusually social behaviour of sharing nests and huddling for warmth, tiny overall size, and notably short tail make it one of the most behaviourally distinctive small mammals found anywhere on the continent.
A shrew that breaks the solitary mould
While most shrews are famously solitary and quick to fight members of their own species, the least shrew occasionally huddles together with others for warmth, a rare social exception within a family generally defined by its aggressive independence.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable grassland and forest habitat throughout eastern and central North America.
Least Shrew: common questions
Is the least shrew the smallest shrew in North America?
Yes, this species is the smallest shrew species found in North America, with adults weighing only a few grams, making it one of the most physically diminutive mammals found anywhere on the continent.
Why is the least shrew's social behaviour unusual?
This species is unusually social for a shrew, sometimes sharing nests and huddling together with other individuals for warmth, a behaviour uncommon among most shrew species, which tend to be solitary and often aggressive toward one another.
How did the least shrew get its name?
This species has a notably short tail relative to its body size, a feature reflected in both its common name and its alternative name, distinguishing it from longer-tailed relatives within the wider shrew family.
Where does the least shrew live?
This species is native to grassland and forest habitat across eastern and central North America, extending into parts of Central America, where it forages through dense vegetation and leaf litter.