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The tracks of the shrew (Sorex araneus) in Arne’s photo are on the snow surface, but basically this little mammal spends its winter under the snow. It is so small, and has such short legs, so how, otherwise, could it get down to its food in snowy winters: it is necessary to live beneath the white blanket. For shrews it is also safer to search for food in their passages under the snow: predators do not see them so easily then. What do they eat? They feed on insect pupae and grubs that pass the winter in plants and low bushes. Only when the snow cover has already become thin the tracks of the tiny animals can be seen on the snow, sometimes on a well-trampled path. Observe the ground carefully when the white carpet disappears: maybe you will discover tiny “sausages” – remnants from the doings of shrews and voles (Microtis arvalis). These tiny “sausages”, made up of last year’s grass, have lined the under-snow passages and bear witness of a melting winter-time living place.