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Global Animal Guide

Common Shrew vs Squirrel

Quick answer

In a hypothetical one-on-one, the Squirrel would most likely come out on top in most encounters, thanks to its greater size and power and superior speed. In reality, animals like these rarely meet, and both would usually avoid a fight.

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
Eastern gray squirrel sitting upright holding a nut with its bushy tail curled behind Winner Power 17

Mammal

Least Concern
Squirrel
Weight 550 g
Length 28 cm
Top speed 32 km/h
Strength 4/100
Deadliness 2/100
Intelligence 40/100
Lifespan 6 yr

Common Shrew vs Squirrel compared

Side-by-side comparison of the Common Shrew and the Squirrel
Attribute Common Shrew Squirrel
Weight 10 g 550 g
Length 8 cm 28 cm
Top speed 8 km/h 32 km/h
Strength 8/100 4/100
Deadliness 5/100 2/100
Intelligence 45/100 40/100
Lifespan 2 yr 6 yr

Common Shrew vs Squirrel: common questions

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

In a hypothetical one-on-one, the Squirrel would most likely come out on top in most encounters, thanks to its greater size and power and superior speed. In reality, animals like these rarely meet, and both would usually avoid a fight.

Which is bigger, the Common Shrew or the Squirrel?

The Squirrel is heavier, weighing around 0.55 kg compared with the other's 0.01 kg.

Which is faster, the Common Shrew or the Squirrel?

The Squirrel is faster, reaching about 32 km/h versus 8 km/h.

Which lives longer, the Common Shrew or the Squirrel?

The Squirrel typically lives longer, up to around 6 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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