Wood shrew magnet – Backyard Heroes

Discover the common shrew (Sorex araneus), one of the most hyperactive and fascinating small predators of the European garden. With one of the fastest metabolisms of any mammal in the world, the common shrew must eat its own body weight in food every day to survive — a tireless hunter that is active day and night. Despite their minuscule size, common shrews play a crucial role in the garden ecosystem as natural pest controllers of slugs, beetles, and larvae.

This premium magnet features stunning wildlife photography that captures the characteristic pointed snout and vivid energy of this unique garden animal.

Conservation Status: Least Concern

• Population: Widespread in Europe (locally declining due to pesticide use)
• Habitat: Forests, hedgerows, gardens, and grasslands throughout Europe
• Major Threats: Pesticide use, loss of wild corners and scrubland, intensive agriculture
• Ecological Role: Natural pest controller — eats slugs, beetles, larvae, and earthworms
• Special Feature: Has venomous salivary glands — one of the few venomous mammals in the world

Fascinating Facts:

• The common shrew has one of the fastest metabolisms of all mammals — its heart beats up to 1,200 times per minute
• They must eat every 2-3 hours to survive — even a short break can be fatal
• Common shrews have venomous saliva that can paralyze small prey
• They use echolocation to navigate in the dark — just like bats
• Despite their small size, common shrews are fierce and aggressive — they defend their territory against larger animals
• They live only 12-18 months — one of the shortest lifespans of all mammals

How to help common shrews in your garden?

• Create log piles and stone walls as shelter
• Leave wild, undisturbed corners with long grass
• Avoid pesticides and slug pellets — they need live prey
• Provide ground cover such as ivy and dense vegetation
• Maintain compost heaps as foraging areas

We partner with organizations that make a real, measurable contribution to wildlife protection. Together, we are building a community of wildlife ambassadors — one magnet at a time.

With the purchase of this magnet, we donate €2.00 to wildlife protection – directly contributing to the conservation of the common shrew and its habitat.

Part of our Backyard Heroes collection — turn your fridge into a tribute to the smallest but most tireless hunter of the European garden.