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Global Animal Guide

Common Shrew vs Mouse

Quick answer

It is too close to call. The Common Shrew and the Mouse are evenly matched on paper, and in the wild the outcome would come down to size, surprise, and circumstance.

This is a hypothetical, educational comparison based on typical size, strength, and natural weaponry. In the wild these animals rarely meet, and most encounters end without a fight.

Common shrew on forest floor Power 12

Mammal

Least Concern
Common Shrew
Weight 10 g
Length 8 cm
Top speed 8 km/h
Strength 8/100
Deadliness 5/100
Intelligence 45/100
Lifespan 2 yr
House mouse with large ears and bright eyes sitting among dry grass seeds Power 12

Mammal

Least Concern
Mouse
Weight 20 g
Length 9 cm
Top speed 13 km/h
Strength 3/100
Deadliness 5/100
Intelligence 35/100
Lifespan 3 yr

Common Shrew vs Mouse compared

Side-by-side comparison of the Common Shrew and the Mouse
Attribute Common Shrew Mouse
Weight 10 g 20 g
Length 8 cm 9 cm
Top speed 8 km/h 13 km/h
Strength 8/100 3/100
Deadliness 5/100 5/100
Intelligence 45/100 35/100
Lifespan 2 yr 3 yr

Common Shrew vs Mouse: common questions

Who would win in a fight, a Common Shrew or a Mouse?

It is too close to call. The Common Shrew and the Mouse are evenly matched on paper, and in the wild the outcome would come down to size, surprise, and circumstance.

Which is bigger, the Common Shrew or the Mouse?

The Mouse is heavier, weighing around 0.02 kg compared with the other's 0.01 kg.

Which is faster, the Common Shrew or the Mouse?

The Mouse is faster, reaching about 13 km/h versus 8 km/h.

Which lives longer, the Common Shrew or the Mouse?

The Mouse typically lives longer, up to around 3 years compared with 2 years.

Sources & references

Size, speed, and conservation data are drawn from established zoological references. Compare full profiles for habitat, diet, and behaviour:

By the Global Animal Guide editorial team Last reviewed How we research & review
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