Common Shrew
Sorex araneus
UK Green ListEasy to see📍 Lake District
Season
Year-round. Active day and night.
Best time of day
Any. That high-pitched squeak.
Lake District
Everywhere. Woodland. Grassland. Moorland. That rustle. High-pitched squeak. Small. Pointed nose. Common. You'll hear them. Dead ones on paths. Cats kill them. They smell.
UK population
Around 41 million. Widespread.
Overview
Common shrews squeak. High-pitched. Small. Pointed nose. Everywhere. Woodland. Grassland. They eat constantly. High metabolism. Dead ones on paths. Cats kill them. They smell. Don't pick them up. They bite.
At a Glance
| Order | Eulipotyphla |
| Family | Soricidae |
| Habitat | Woodland · Grassland · Moorland |
| Diet | Insects, worms. Eats constantly. High metabolism. |
| UK population | Around 41 million. Widespread. |
| Lake District | Everywhere. Woodland. Grassland. Moorland. That rustle. High-pitched squeak. Small. Pointed nose. Common. You'll hear them. Dead ones on paths. Cats kill them. They smell. |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Woodland, grassland, moorland. Everywhere. That rustle. High-pitched squeak. Small. Pointed nose. Common.
Identification
Small. Pointed nose. Brown. High-pitched squeak. Three-toned. Not a rodent.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Everywhere. That rustle. High-pitched squeak. Dead ones on paths. Don't pick them up.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Lake District biodiversity.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.