Tick Shrews

What They Are

Tick Shrews are small rodents, only about 4 cm long when fully matured.
They have sharp protruding pincer-like teeth which they use to eat ticks and other pests.
These animals have adapted to nocturnal living with strong eyes which can easily see in the dark and a strong sense of smell.

Where They Live

These critters live along the Northern part of the Eastern Coast of Northern America.
They are most commonly found in the coastal states of North America, although they have been sighted in Canada and more inland areas.

Why They Are Endangered

Tick Shrews are endangered for many reasons.
They often eat mouse and rat poison, thinking it is food.
Pesticides in lawns get into their paws, and when they clean their paws, they digest the pesticides, making themselves very sick.
Logging and new developments are decreasing the habitat space of these critters.
Foreign predators such as house cats are also endangering them.

How You Can Help

There are many ways you can help the Tick Shrew's plight. Here are just a few:

Use mouse traps instead of poison, as tick shrews know to avoid them.
DO NOT use pesticides!
Write to your town to stop the widespread use of pesticides
Boycott New England logging companies
Avoid purchasing houses in new developments where there used to be tick shrew habitats
Protect local conservation lands!