21/10/2026
🐭 An unexpected houseguest with a happy ending 💚
Not every unexpected visitor in your home is a pest. Some are simply tiny wild animals that have found themselves in the wrong place.
This little shrew had made its way into a house where several pets also live. Concerned for its safety, the residents contacted our Wildlife Rescue Team and asked for help.
Using a humane live trap, our volunteers safely caught the tiny visitor and relocated it to a more suitable habitat. And judging by the release video, it was certainly ready to get going 😄
But there’s something rather fascinating about these little creatures: Although shrews may look like mice, they aren’t rodents at all. The Etruscan shrew is one of the world's smallest mammals and it feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates. Far from being household pests, they play a vital role in our local ecosystems.
Shrews are also protected wildlife in Malta, and their biology makes them particularly vulnerable when trapped. They have an exceptionally fast metabolism and need to feed frequently to meet their energy requirements. Without access to food, prolonged confinement can quickly become dangerous, stress and unsuitable temperatures can add to the risks.
This is why it’s so important to minimise the time a shrew spends trapped and return it to a suitable habitat as soon as safely possible.
And this little visitor certainly didn’t waste any time making the most of its second chance! 🌿
A big thank you to the residents for recognising that their unexpected houseguest deserved a little help rather than harm.
Sometimes, the kindest way to welcome a visitor is to help it find the way back out 🐭💚
All of the animals that we rescue are protected species and it is illegal in Malta to harm them or keep them as pets.
Our volunteers have wildlife handling permits and training as well as equipment in order to rescue these creatures. If you spot any of the wild animals that we rescue injured or in danger, please call the Wildlife Rescue Team Malta on 99999505.
🙏 A massive thank you always goes to the public who call us when they notice an animal in distress, our vets, and our dedicated rescue and rehabilitation volunteers.
Our rehabilitation centre at Xrobb L-Ghagin in Malta is open to the public so that you can come and see the animals we have in rehab including Sea Turtles and Hedgehogs. Entrance is free (donations always welcome) however booking in advance is necessary, please contact [email protected] for more information.
We thank you in advance for your support and help 💗💗
The Wildlife Rehab Project is carried out by Nature Trust - FEE Malta Nature Trust - FEE Malta Wildlife Rescue Team at the Xrobb L-Ghagin Nature Park and Wildlife Rehab Centre and is supported by ERA - Environment & Resources Authority , Lottoland Malta , Melita , Megastore.com.mt and MIEMA - Malta Intelligent Energy Management Agency .
