Tundra Shrew - Sierra Club BC
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Tundra Shrew

CAN BE FOUND IN:

Tundra Shrew

Sorex tundrensis

Appearance

This shrew grows to about 12 centimetres long (including a four-centimetre-long tail). They have dark brown fur on their back, light brown on the sides and a grey belly. They grow long fur in the winter to keep them warm. 

Range & Habitat

Tundra shrews are found in northern Asia and Europe, Alaska, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and the northwest corner of B.C. They make their homes in thick grass, under shrubs or near marshes and bogs. 

Reciprocal relationships

Tundra shrews are insectivores. This means that they mainly eat insects. Like most shrews, they eat worms, insects, some grasses, and flowers. They can help regulate these populations, which otherwise might eat crops. Tundra shrews build their nests in dry spots with grass, under logs, or in little caves. They have between eight to twelve babies in late summer, and a mom can have one or two litters each year.  

Tundra shrews are also a host for many parasites such tapeworms or mites. As climate change progresses, these parasites can help scientists understand greater environmental changes.

Hawks, owls and other birds of prey eat shrews. They are an important source for birds of prey living in the tundra among other species.  

Status

COSEWIC: Not Reported 
CDC: Red 

More information

If you belong to a First Nation with a story or piece of information not represented here and you would like to share more about this species, please email us at education@sierraclub.bc.ca.   

photo credit

Canva

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