Arctic Shrew

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The Arctic Shrew is native to North America and is found from the Arctic Circle to the Northern United States into North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota. They are found in moist grassy areas near lakes, swamps and ditches as well as marshes, dry fields and mixed grasses next to ditches. 

Also known as the Saddle Backed Shrew, the Black Backed Shrew and the Musaraigne Arctique Shrew, the Arctic Shrew is a solitary creature active day and night. They move quickly and have periods of inactivity by lying on the ground on one side with their body rolled up and their head tucked under their body. The are identified by their tri-colored fur which is predominately evident during the winter months. Their head and back is dark brown to black, their sides are light brown and its belly is a grayish color. The tail of this shrew is bi-colored with dark brown on top and light brown underneath. The arctic shrew molts twice a year with its winter fur ticker and brighter.

The Arctic Shrew has thirty-two teeth. They ear larch sawflies, grasshoppers, insect larvae, pupae and adults, other invertebrates and aquatic insects. They forge on the ground and climb plants to prey on grasshoppers by pouncing on them and seizing them with their jaws and fee. The Arctic Shrew is susceptible to mites and ticks. Its main predator is the great-horned owl.

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