Discover the fascinating world of the Merriam's Shrew (*Sorex merriami*), a small nocturnal mammal native to the western United States and northern Mexico. This adaptable species thrives in moist environments such as subalpine meadows and mixed conifer forests, showcasing unique behaviors and a diverse diet primarily consisting of insects and earthworms. Learn about its physical characteristics, reproduction, and crucial ecological role, making it an integral part of its habitat's food web.