Shrews look superficially similar to rodents but are more closely related to moles. There is one species of shrew found in Yolo County: the ornate shrew (Sorex ornatus). It is a native species. Per the California Department of Fish and Game range maps, its range in Yolo County is the area southwest of a diagonal line drawn from approximately Rumsey to Courtland. This line passes just slightly southwest of Davis.
During its spring and summer mating season, the ornate shrew becomes mostly nocturnal and therefore is rarely seen. But it is more active in the daytime during fall and winter. Have you seen one?
