The American Water Shrew is a semi-aquatic shrew with fringes of stiff hairs on its hind feet that trap air bubbles, allowing it to run briefly across the surface of water before sinking. It dives and swims in fast-moving streams to hunt aquatic invertebrates, aided by a thick, water-repellent coat. The water shrew's venomous saliva—rare among mammals—may help subdue larger prey like small fish.
Habitat
Cold mountain and boreal streams, lake margins
Diet
Aquatic insects, small fish, and invertebrates
How common
Uncommon
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