Shrews: The World’s Smallest But Venomous Mammals! ????

Shrews may look tiny and harmless, but these incredible creatures are full of surprises! Some species weigh only 2 grams and grow to just 4 centimeters, making them the smallest mammals on Earth. Despite their small size, shrews are fascinating hunters. As babies, they are nearly blind, so to stay safe, they bite the tail of the sibling in front of them and move together in a train-like formation, ensuring they never lose track of their mother.

But the surprises don’t stop there! When threatened, shrews produce a low-frequency rattling sound, almost like a machine gun, to ward off danger. Even more impressive, shrews are the only mammals known to use venom to subdue their prey. With their lightning speed—running up to 32 km/h—and the ability to leap nearly 90 centimeters, they are skilled predators capable of hunting insects, grasshoppers, and even scorpions.

These remarkable abilities make the shrew a true hidden powerhouse of the animal kingdom. While they may appear cute and fragile, their biology proves they are among the most fascinating and unique mammals in the world.