THE SHORT-TAILED SHREW UNDER MY DECK. I have been observing this shrew for the past few months with a remote camera. Did you know that Short-tailed Shrews are the only venomous mammal in North America? Their venom immobilizes or kills their earthworm and insect prey. Shrews are not rodents, and are related to moles. They have small eyes but are not able to see well. This is because they spend most of their lives under leaf litter and underground. My shrew is always very busy, and has places to b