päästäinen

Päästäinen is the Finnish word for shrew. Shrews are small, mouse-like mammals belonging to the family Soricidae. They are characterized by their long, pointed snouts, tiny eyes, and often surprisingly short fur. Despite their superficial resemblance to mice, shrews are not rodents but are more closely related to moles and hedgehogs.

There are many species of shrews found worldwide, though the term "päästäinen" in Finnish typically refers to the common shrew species found in Finland. These include the Eurasian shrew (Sorex araneus) and the pygmy shrew (Sorex minutus). Shrews are insectivores, meaning their diet consists primarily of insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. They have a very high metabolism and need to eat frequently to survive, often consuming more than their own body weight each day.

In Finland, päästäinen are commonly found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and gardens. They are small and often elusive, making them difficult to spot. Their burrowing habits and nocturnal or crepuscular activity patterns further contribute to their scarcity in direct observation. Päästäinen play an important role in their ecosystems as both predators of insects and as prey for larger animals like owls and foxes. They are a vital part of the food web in their natural environments.