American water shrew facts for kids
Quick facts for kids American water shrew |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| American water shrew with newborn youn | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sorex
|
| Species: |
palustris
|
 |
|
| Distribution of the American water shrew in Northern America | |
The American water shrew (Sorex palustris) is a small mammal. It is a type of shrew. People also call it the northern water shrew. This animal lives in the mountain ranges of the northern United States. You can also find it in Canada and Alaska.
Contents
What is the American Water Shrew?
The American water shrew is one of the largest shrews in North America. It is known for its amazing ability to live near and in water. Shrews are tiny, mouse-like mammals. They have long snouts and very small eyes. They are not rodents, but they are related to moles.
Where Do They Live?
These shrews prefer cool, wet places. They live near streams, rivers, and ponds. You can find them in forests, meadows, and even tundra areas. They like places with lots of plants and rocks. These provide good cover and places to hunt.
What Do They Look Like?
The American water shrew is usually about 13 to 17 centimeters (5 to 7 inches) long. This includes its tail. They weigh about 10 to 18 grams (0.35 to 0.63 ounces). Their fur is dark gray or black on top. Their belly is a lighter gray or white.
They have special adaptations for swimming. Their hind feet are large. They have stiff hairs on the edges. These hairs act like tiny paddles. They help the shrew swim very well. Their fur is also water-repellent. This means water rolls right off it.
How Do They Hunt and Eat?
American water shrews are very active hunters. They mostly eat insects and other small creatures. Their diet includes aquatic insect larvae, snails, and small fish. They also eat salamanders and even tiny frogs. They use their excellent sense of smell to find food. They also use their whiskers to feel around.
They can dive underwater to catch prey. They are very fast swimmers. They can stay underwater for a short time. They use their long snout to poke around under rocks and plants. This helps them find hidden food.
Life in the Water
These shrews are amazing swimmers and divers. They can run across the surface of the water for a short distance. They do this using the surface tension of the water. This is like walking on a trampoline. They often use this trick to escape from predators.
When they dive, tiny air bubbles get trapped in their fur. This helps them stay warm. It also makes them a bit buoyant. They can control their buoyancy. This allows them to swim both on the surface and underwater.
How Many Are There?
The American water shrew is listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN. This means their population is stable. They are not currently at risk of extinction. However, their habitats can be threatened by pollution. Protecting their wet environments is important. This helps ensure they continue to thrive.
See Also
In Spanish: Sorex palustris para niños
