The Marsh Shrew or Pacific Water Shrew, Sorex bendirii, is a large North American shrew found near aquatic habitats, the largest member of genus Sorex in North America.

It is dark brown in colour with dark underparts and a long tail. Their hind feet have coarse hairs on the toes. Its body is about 16 cm in length including a 7 cm long tail and it weighs about 13 g.

These animals are found along the Pacific coast of southern British Columbia and the western United States.

They swim and take short dives in search of food. Their diet includes earthworms, aquatic insects, slugs and snails.

These animals are active during the day but are more active at night. The female has a litter of 3 or 4 young in a nest in a tunnel or under a log. Water shrews typically live about 18 months.

The range and numbers of these animals are thought to have declined due to loss of suitable wetland habitat, especially near urban areas and farmlands.

External Link

• Canadian Biodiversity