Pacific shrew facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pacific shrew |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sorex
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| Species: |
pacificus
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| Pacific shrew range | |
The Pacific shrew (Sorex pacificus) is a small mammal that belongs to the shrew family, Soricidae. This special animal lives only in western Oregon in the United States. It is endemic to this area, meaning you won't find it naturally anywhere else in the world!
Pacific shrews are found in western Oregon, from Siltcoos Lake all the way to the coast. Their home stretches from the border of Douglas and Lane counties south into northern California. The very first Pacific shrew that scientists recorded was found near the Umpqua River in 1858. These shrews love damp places, especially near forest creeks and fallen trees. They need safe places to hide, like under fallen logs or in thick plants. They build their nests by gathering small plants like grass, moss, or leaves into a cozy pile. Then, they push themselves right into the middle for a safe and warm home.
Discover the Pacific Shrew's Look
Pacific shrews are the biggest brown shrews you'll find in western Oregon. They are quite small, weighing only about 10 to 18 grams. That's about as much as two or three grapes! Their total length, including their tail, is about 13.5 to 16 centimeters. That's roughly the length of a pen.
In the summer, their fur is short and a reddish-brown color. As the weather gets colder, their fur grows longer and becomes a darker brown. Their feet and tails are usually tan, but can sometimes be brown. Older shrews might even have dark tips on their tails. Just like their fur, their front teeth (incisors) have a reddish-brown tint on the tips.
How Pacific Shrews Hunt for Food
Pacific shrews are skilled hunters, even though some of their prey can be dangerous! They have amazing hearing and a super sense of smell, which helps them find their next meal. They can even jump into the air to catch flying insects. If their food is underground, they will dig to find it.
Their diet includes many different creatures:
- Slugs
- Snails
- Earthworms
- Centipedes
- Millipedes
- Scorpions
- Various insects
When they catch prey, they usually paralyze it first. But if the prey is dangerous, like a wasp, they will kill it right away. After catching their food, they either eat it on the spot or carry it back to store near their nest for later.
Pacific Shrew Population and Safety
Scientists don't know the exact number of Pacific shrews, but they are not rare. It's very likely that there are more than 10,000 of them! Their population numbers have probably not dropped much over a long time. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) says they are a species of "least concern." This means they are doing very well and are not currently threatened.
One reason they are doing well is that there are no major threats to them. Since they are active at night (nocturnal), their main predators are owls. However, some salamanders have also been known to catch them. Even though they are not threatened, there are safe places for them to live. These include places like Crater Lake National Park and other state parks in Oregon.
