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Shrews

Including:

Arctic Shrew (Sorex arcticus)

Cinereus or Masked Shrew (Sorex cinereus)

American Pygmy Shrew (Sorex hoyi)

Dusky or Montane Shrew (Sorex monticolus)

Western Water Shrew (Sorex palustris)

Tundra Shrew (Sorex tundrensis)

Barrenground Shrew (Sorex ugyunak)

Fast Facts		Distribution in Yukon (all)
Length	10-15 cm
Weight	10 g
Lifespan	1.5 years
Habitat
Predators	Small mammals, birds of prey
Conservation Status
Yukon Arctic (S5), Cinereus (S5), American Pygmy (S5), Dusky (S5), American Water (S4), Tundra (S4), Barren Ground (S3)
Global Arctic (G5), Cinereus (G5), American Pygmy (G5), Dusky (G5), American Water (G5), Tundra (G5), Barren Ground (G5)
Yukon population estimate Not determined

Description

• Small, grey in colour
• Similar in appearance to a mouse with a long narrow nose
• Sharp, spike-like teeth (not incisors like rodents)
• Longer tail

Behaviour

Shrews live a fast and furious life entirely focused on consuming enough food to fuel their high metabolism.  It is active both day and night throughout the year eating its weight in food everyday.  They are insectivores with teeth specially designed for grasping and cutting its prey.  Shrews of the sorex family are some of the only terrestrial mammals known to echolocate. 

Diet

Insects including pupae, eggs, larvae, and dormant adults.

Sights and sounds

Tracks Front: 0.6 x 0.5 cm Hind: 0.8 x 0.5 cm	Sound Squeak

Viewing Opportunities

• Shrews can be found in any moist habitat throughout Yukon but they are small and hard to see.