Pacific Water Shrew

Sorex bendirii

The Pacific Water Shrew is the largest Sorex shrew in North America and a semi-aquatic specialist of Pacific Coast streams and wetlands. Its large hind feet have stiff hair fringes that trap bubbles and enable it to run briefly on the water surface. The species is rarely observed and seldom trapped, though it inhabits riparian zones from British Columbia to northern California.

Habitat

Cold mountain streams and wetlands of the Pacific Coast

Diet

Aquatic invertebrates, earthworms, and small fish

How common

Uncommon

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