Glacier Bay water shrew facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Glacier Bay water shrew |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sorex
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| Species: |
alaskanus
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| Glacier Bay water shrew range | |
The Glacier Bay water shrew (Sorex alaskanus) is a small, furry mammal that belongs to the shrew family. It is a very special animal because it can live both on land and in the water. This tiny creature is only found in a specific part of Alaska in the United States.
About the Glacier Bay Water Shrew
The Glacier Bay water shrew is known for its amazing abilities. It can swim very well underwater, which helps it find food. Even more surprisingly, it can also run on the surface of the water! This is a rare skill for a mammal.
Where It Lives
This unique shrew lives only in the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve area of southeastern Alaska. It prefers places near water, like streams, rivers, and lakes. Its home is often in forests close to these water sources.
What It Eats
The Glacier Bay water shrew is a carnivore, meaning it eats other animals. It hunts for small invertebrates, which are creatures without backbones. It especially likes to eat the young forms, called nymphs, of insects that live in the water. It also finds and eats invertebrates that live on land, like worms and insects.
Amazing Abilities
One of the most fascinating things about the Glacier Bay water shrew is how it moves. It has special adaptations that allow it to walk or run across the water's surface without sinking. This is possible because of its light weight and the way its feet are designed. It can also dive and swim underwater to catch its prey.
