Is it legal to own an elephant shrew?

Elephant shrews do not make good pets. The fact that they are shy and mate for life indicate they would be boring as pets. Some states don’t allow such wild animals to be captive. It takes generations to domesticate a species, and the elephant shrew has not been a candidate for domestication.

Is it legal to have a pet shrew?

No, Shrews do not make good pets. They are short-lived, most active at night, and have incredibly sharp little teeth. You would not want to keep one as a pet.

How long do elephant shrews live?

Most elephant shrews live only two years in the wild and up to four years in captivity.

How long does it take for the elephant shrew to become fully grown?

Full Size. Elephants take a long time to grow physically and emotionally. They reach the majority of their sze by age 15, but often continue to grow in size and weight until they’re about 20 years old. Males might fill out for a bit longer, but by age 25, both males and females are at their full size and strength.

Where do giant elephant shrews live in Africa?

The four species of giant elephant shrew prefer to live in forests, closed-canopy woodlands, and thickets, usually with a floor densely covered by leaf litter. The checkered elephant shrew is found in Central Africa; the golden-rumped elephant shrew is endemic to Kenya; the grey-faced shrew is confined…

Can you have an elephant shrew as a pet?

Elephant shrews do not make good pets. The fact that they are shy and mate for life indicate they would be boring as pets. Some states don’t allow such wild animals to be captive. In others you may need a special permit. One risk is that wild animals potentially carry unknown diseases.

How often does an elephant shrew give birth?

Aggressive encounters involve screaming, sparring, snapping, and kicking, all of which can happen so rapidly that it appears to be a blur of animals tumbling on the forest floor. The young are most vulnerable when leaving their parents. Elephant shrews give birth four or five times a year.

Why does an elephant shrew have a long tail?

They have a hunchbacked posture and a long, scaly tail. A gland on the underside of the tail produces a strong scent used to mark territories. This musky smell serves as a deterrent against many carnivores. Elephant shrews like bugs.