Crazy Shrew

[black]

I posted this on the sister site WATW but so far I haven't recieved any suggestions, thought some WABers may have some ideas

I saw a Common Shrew at the weekend at South Stack on Anglesey. It was on the cliff path circling round and around chasing its tail. It was oblivious to me and other members of the group I was with as we approached. One of the group gently lifted it up and put it in the grass above the path to prevent it being trod on. The shrew moved down through the grass and a crack in the soil back onto the path where it returned to its tail chasing antics. I placed my hand gently over it and it momentarily calmed down a bit before circling again.

Does anyone know why it would behave like this? I know young shrews hold onto the tails of their mother and siblings and travel along in a sort of caravan line but this looked like an adult. As it was found in the middle of the path I thought it may have received a bump to the head but it had no obvious signs of injury. On looking at the photo it does seem to have a tick underneath its eye.

[Lance Morgan]

I would say that this is certainly not natural behaviour as it would be predated upon very quickly in the open and would certainly not be as easy to handle as you describe. Sounds like some problem of the nervous system

[Dogghound]

Very strange behavior, possibly it has been damaged or has a disease or internal parasite, the tick is unlikely to be the reason for this behavior, its strange its chasing its tail they have very poor sight so i doubt its a visual stimulus like in a dog. Also its worrying its in the open they hardly leave cover.

[mh68]

I`ve not had much experience with Shrews, but it does sound very unnatural.I`m inclined to agree with the others, possibly a parasite affecting the brain or nervous system. Be interesting to hear if anyone else has seen similar behaviour...

Mark H

[black]

Thanks for your suggestions. It was indeed a sorry sight to see, lets hope it didn't suffer too much.

[demicav]

I'm not well informed on Shrews but I believe that normally they would be far more difficult to see let alone being handled and photographed. My guess is the Shrew was ill, possibly with a condition of the brain/nervous system. There wouldn't be much you could do under these circumstances, wild animals that are poorly often get taken up in the food chain as is nature. The photograph is very good by the way.

[deer boy]

Lovely pic black although sounds like the poor thing was unwell