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Shrews

BijdezeeBijdezee Posts: 1,484
in Wildlife gardening
Never have I had a garden so full of shrews, especially once autumn sets in. I have a shrew hole under the hydrangea and now another has appeared next to the potted Xmas tree where I saw two scampering around.

I don't mind them as they don't come into the buildings and they say they're the gardeners friend eating slugs and insects but I'm wondering how much damage their tunnels do.

Do others see a lot of shrews in their gardens? 

Posts

  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    Yes lots here too, our new little cat is quite partial to one occasionally. 
    They're much slower than mice so easily caught.
    I don’t find they do any damage though. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • BijdezeeBijdezee Posts: 1,484
    Sadly I also found one dead under the apple tree. I hear they taste bad as prey so that would explain why they're not eaten when I find them. 
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    They are rarely eaten by well fed domestic cats, although something must fancy them or we would be knee deep in the things. They may look droll, but never make the mistake of picking one up if you find one that looks a bit poorly. They bite, even if it is their last act this side of eternity. I never heard of them doing any harm in the garden but it would be disconcerting, to say the least, to have them jumping out of your way during an evening stroll or a bit of weeding in a dark corner.
  • BijdezeeBijdezee Posts: 1,484
    @Posy. I Am knee deep in them lol. But yes you're right, I think it might be owls etc.

    I won't be picking them up as I've seen the gnashers on them. They're welcome in the garden though. 
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