Tundra Shrew

The Tundra Shrew, Sorex tundrensis, is a small shrew found in Alaska, the northern Yukon and eastern Russia. At one time, this animal was considered to be a subspecies of the Arctic Shrew, Sorex arcticus.

It is dark brown on its back with pale brown sides and grey underparts. Its tail is brown on top and lighter brown below. Its fur grows longer for winter. Its body is about 12 cm in length including a 4 cm long tail. It weighs about 11 g.

These animals are found on hillsides with shrubs or grassy vegetation or dry ridges near marshes or bogs.

They eat insects, worms and grasses. Predators include hawks and owls.

These animals are active day and night year-round, burrowing through the snow in winter. They mate during the spring. 4 to 8 young are born in a nest under a log or in a crevice.