Species MammalsArctic Shrew

Arctic Shrew

Sorex arcticus

UncommonMammal
Illustration of Arctic Shrew (Sorex arcticus)

The Arctic Shrew is a distinctively tricolored shrew with a dark brown back, pale brown sides, and grayish underside that make it one of the most visually identifiable North American shrews. It inhabits boreal forests and muskegs in Canada and the northern United States, remaining active year-round beneath the snow. The arctic shrew's range closely tracks the distribution of boreal forest.

Habitat
Boreal forests, muskegs, and stream margins
Diet
Insects, earthworms, spiders, and seeds
How common
Uncommon

Recent Arctic Shrew sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Arctic Shrew? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.

Get Huck — free

More mammals

Abert's Squirrel
Abert's Squirrel
Sciurus aberti
Agricola's Gracile Opossum
Agricola's Gracile Opossum
Cryptonanus agricolai
Alaska Marmot
Alaska Marmot
Marmota broweri
Alaska Peninsula Brown Bear
Alaska Peninsula Brown Bear
Ursus arctos gyas
Alaskan Hare
Alaskan Hare
Lepus othus
Alaskan Mink
Alaskan Mink
Neogale vison ingens
Alfaro's Pygmy Squirrel
Alfaro's Pygmy Squirrel
Microsciurus alfari
Allen's Big-eared Bat
Allen's Big-eared Bat
Idionycteris phyllotis