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Why am I finding dead shrews?

Discussion in 'Wildlife Corner' started by TheMadHedger, Jul 22, 2022.

  1. TheMadHedger

    TheMadHedger Gardener

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    There's a field near my property which I walk around from time to time and a few days ago I was finding a dead shrew a day, five in total. Not seen any there for a few days now.

    Intact, no obvious trauma.

    Is there some shrew disease going around or is this likely to be down to the ongoing dry weather or the recent very hot spell?
     
    • Informative Informative x 2
    • Janet mahay

      Janet mahay Gardener

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      Hi not to my knowledge more likely that birds of prey, eg owl , weasels and foxes sometimes accidentally catch a shrew, but as shrews do not taste very nice they leave them. intact dead shrews or it could be fear there hearts give in and die suddenly but weather could have had an impact
       
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      • NigelJ

        NigelJ Total Gardener

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        My natural instinct is to blame cats. More likely the high temperatures and the dry weather have affected their food supply; mainly insects, but also slugs, snails and earthworms.
        This line on the Mammal Society webpage raised an eyebrow "Shrews are noted for providing a home for a large number of parasites, normally transmitted to the shrew from its prey."
         
        • Informative Informative x 3
        • Agree Agree x 1
        • TheMadHedger

          TheMadHedger Gardener

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          Thanks for the helpful replies. :)
           
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