Posted by Kimberly Rogusta on May 29, 2008

Q: I came across what I believe may be a shrew in my backyard, but I'm not sure? I live in North Western Indiana on the front of about 12 acres. up near my house in the yard was a tiny black velvety mouse looking creature, but with a very short tail and very pointed nose, and it appeared to have no eyes. It laid very still to the point I thought it was dead but when I got closer I scared it and it darted rather quickly under my air compressor. I looked up shrews on the internet, but could not find any that were all black? If it is a shrew, how do u know if its a baby or an adult? Thank you for any help you can give.

Kimberly

State: Indiana

Habitat: suburban/yard

A: There are about 4 different species of shrews living in northwestern Indiana, depending on exactly where you live. Shrews are not entirely "black" as you now know, but they can look very dark depending on the lighting so I suspect this is exactly what you saw. These are interesting animals and although most people just assume they're mice, they aren't even rodents! Check out this website for more info on these special mammals www.epa.gov

I hope this helps and thanks for writing.

John Wiessinger ( May 31, 2008)