Sorex ornatus

Ornate Shrew, a reference photo
Photo: Pacific Southwest Region U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · Public domain

The ornate shrew (Sorex ornatus) is a species of mammal in the family Soricidae (shrews). It is endemic to western North America, ranging from Northern California in the United States to the Baja California peninsula in Mexico. Eight subspecies are known, including the extinct tule shrew (S. o. juncensis), known only from four specimens collected in 1905, and the Suisun ornate shrew (S. o. sinuosus), a species of conservation concern in California. Through skull morphology research and genetic testing on Ornate shrew populations, it has been shown that there are three main genetic subdivisions: The Southern, Central and Northern.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it venomous or poisonous?

We have no record of Ornate Shrew being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Eulipotyphla
Family
Soricidae
Genus
Sorex
Species
Sorex ornatus

Found one? Take a photo and B.inomen will suggest what it is, free.

Check your photo

More species