Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Sorex
Habitat
This species primarily inhabits moist, forested areas near streams, rivers, and wetlands in southeastern Alaska. It prefers cool, riparian zones with dense vegetation and abundant water sources, often at elevations from sea level to about 1,000 meters.
Diet
The Glacier Bay water shrew feeds mainly on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans, and earthworms. It hunts actively day and night due to its high metabolic rate, often foraging in water or along stream banks. Feeding occurs frequently, with individuals consuming up to their body weight in food daily.
Behavior
Glacier Bay water shrews are solitary and territorial, marking their areas with scent and aggressively defending them from intruders. They are primarily nocturnal but may be active during the day in cooler conditions, exhibiting excellent swimming and diving abilities to hunt prey. These shrews are highly energetic and vocal, using high-pitched squeaks for communication.
Conservation Status
The IUCN lists the Glacier Bay water shrew as Least Concern, with a stable population trend and no major threats identified at present.