Habits of the Short-Tailed Shrew in Captivity

摘要: Although Blarina brevicauda is one of the commonest mammals in eastern North America, relatively few studies have been made its habits. The shrew's secretive manner and habit working under cover make field observations impractical scientists long held false belief that this a difficult species to keep captivity. purpose paper add existing meager knowledge short-tailed shrew by an analysis habits behavior various conditions captivity. Acknowledgments .—I am indebted Dr. William H. Burt for his suggestions critical reading manuscript. I also wish thank Mr. Frank Hinds, Oliver P. Pearson all others who helped project possible. Methods .—Twenty shrews, twelve males eight females, were live-trapped Kalamazoo, Michigan, from October 19 December 31, 1956. Seven died traps spite fact these checked every four hours throughout day. Of thirteen survived, seven six females. Four caught grassy field, three leaf pile, eleven hardwood forest two large meadow near small stream. Most shrews taken or their tunnels, often snow. Immediately following capture, sexed, weighed marked with No. 1 bird bands placed on hind legs. They anesthetized, about minutes, 40 drops ether. A slight pressure thumbs, both sides anal opening males, brought penis into view. On females averaged 16.5 grams 18 grams, but most tended gain weight captivity. The …