Habits of the Short-Tailed Shrew, Blarina brevicauda (Say)

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Abstract
The following notes are presented in the hopes that they may be of interest to students of the smaller mammals. The observations submitted here have been made over a period of six years, commencing in 1924 and continued as time permitted. MOLTING. Molting appears to take place without regard to season, and specimens taken in December and June alike show changing coats. The most pronounced change from winter to summer may best be observed in May and June, while specimens taken in November will usually show some indication of a change to winter pelage. The short summer coat usually makes its appearance on the back, slightly caudad of the shoulders. From here it pro- ceeds backward and forward in no particular manner. Full shedding occupied approximately six weeks in two captive animals. WEIGHTS. Average weights of 53 adult males from Ithaca, N. Y., 20.35 gms. Average weights of 27 females from Ithaca, N. Y., 18.3 gms. It would seem that weight is a fair indicator of maturity in this animal, when coupled with the measurements. The health of the individual and the amount of available food are potent factors in determining weight. However, specimens under sixteen grams were never found to be mature. The heaviest shrews secured were two males, that weighed 27 gms. and 26.3 gms., respectively. RANGE OF THE INDIVIDUAL. The home range of any mammal is a difficult thing to determine, more so with the smaller forms than with the larger. The range of any Blarina is probably restricted to an acre of ground, while the ranges of two pair or individuals most surely overlap at all times.

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