Venomous Mammal in the Backyard

[John_White]

Short-tailed Shrew (Blarina brevicauda)

Short-tailed shrews, the echidna and the male duck-billed platypus are the only mammals that have posion glands.

[Bry]

Great pic. Looks like a cross between a rat and a guinea pig. Nature's perfect feeder.

Bry

[Shadrach]

John how does the shrew deliver the posion? I know how the platypus does it. Is it the same manner?

[faze]

aww hes so cute i just wanna go up to him and pet him

[najaboy]

John how does the shrew deliver the posion? I know how the platypus does it. Is it the same manner?

Nope, the shrew delivers its venom via biting.

[Stormyva]

Great pic!
They are tiny though aren't they? (Around the size of a hopper mouse?)

[eddie]

Have you been taming it?

If I recall correctly, shrews have grooved teeth, which allows the venom to flow into a bite rather than injecting it.

[John_White]

In the shrews the poison or venom is produced in the submaxillary glands and is present in the saliva. The venom is a slow venom that contains an immobilizing agent mainly for insects. This allows the shrew to exploit a sudden abundance of insects and extend the availability of fresh prey items. Immobilized insect remain alive for 3 to 5 days. Data on human bites is lacking but based on the few documented cases the bite may cause considerable discomfort and local swelling. Some people bitten show no reaction.

The Northern Short-tailed Shrew is the heaviest and the second longest shrew found in Virginia. Adults usually measure 105-138mm in total length and weigh between 14 to 28 grams.

[bensnacks]

Hehe, Kinda cute?!
First pic of a fuzzy I recall you posting John.

When is a substance considered a venom,?
Only if it causes discomfort??
Vampire bats for eg. deliver an anesthetic when feeding,
could this be considered a toxic or venomous substance ??

[savannah_babe]

awww..look, he is kinda cute little eyes..he he
good pic, once again john