Lipotyphla: Insectivores

Infraclass: Placentals

The Soricidae family includes all 300+ species of insectivorous shrews who range throughout the world. Shrew species found along the California coast are Sorex ornatus (Ornate shrew) and Sorex trowbridgii (Trowbridge's shrew). 

Pictured: Sorex sp. (shrew)

Family: Talpidae (Moles)

The Talpidae family includes about 42 species of moles with ranges between North America and Eurasia. About ⅔ of the species are fossorial, which means they dig shallow tunnels underground. They have undeveloped eyes so they use their large hands for digging and getting around. The most common moles found in California are Neurotrichus gibbsii (American shrew mole) and Scapanus latimanus (Broad-footed mole).

Pictured: Scapanus latimanus (Broad-footed Mole)

Banner image (left to right): Sorex vagrans (Vagrant Shrew) & Scapanus latimanus (Broad-footed Mole)