American Water Shrew Sorex palustris

Identification
This shrew has dark fur and fringed feet for swimming. It dives to capture prey.

Location
Rare in Ohio

Size
0.3 to 0.5 ounces

Diet
It feeds on aquatic insects and small fish.

Habitat
It occurs in cold clean streams.

Activity Period
Year round

Behavior
It is active day and night and hunts underwater. It is active year round.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in spring and summer.

Population
The population is small and localized.

History
It has historically been rare in Ohio.

Human Interactions
It rarely interacts with humans.

Facts
It is one of the few semi aquatic shrews.

Sources
ODNR academic sources

Aquatic insects small fish | Streams wetlands cold springs | Northeast Ohio