Swamp shrew [1] , or water shrew [1] ( lat. Sorex palustris ) is a species from the genus Shrew of the family Shrew , inhabiting North America.
| Marsh shrew |
Female with cubs |
| Scientific classification |
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| No rank : | Bilateral symmetrical |
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| International scientific name |
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Sorex palustris Richardson , 1828 |
| Area |
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| Security status |
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Least ConcernedIUCN 3.1 Least Concern : 41410 |
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This animal is dark gray with a lighter bottom and a long tail. Air bubbles linger in thick fur when the animal dives under water. The total body length is about 15 cm, the tail is 8 cm long, the average weight is about 13 grams.
The species is common in Canada and the USA . It lives at an altitude of 760 meters in Pennsylvania to 1,150 meters above sea level and above in North Carolina and Tennessee . This species is most common along small cold streams with dense, low overhanging coastal thickets. Also lives near lakes, ponds, swamps, and other still waters.
The maximum life span is about 18 months. Food is primarily aquatic insects, also small fish, tadpoles, slugs and snails. It hunts both under water and on the surface of the water. Predators: trout, perch, pike, mink, otter, weasel, snakes, sometimes, hawks and owls. This animal is active during the day, but more active at night; lives alone.
Pregnancy lasts probably 3 weeks. The size of the offspring is 3-10, with an average of 6 cubs. There are 2-3 offspring a year.
