Shrew-mole (Neurotrichus gibbsii)

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Category: Mammals

At a total length of 4 to 5 inches, the gray to black shrew-mole is the smallest mole in North America and is unique to the Pacific Northwest. These tiny moles have many shrew-like features—they lack the mole's developed forelegs for digging—and are found in shady ravines and along stream banks. Unlike other moles, which create characteristic molehills, shrewmoles do not create mole-hills and are commonly active above ground.