Eurasian Water Shrew

About this species

Size

60–100mm

Weight

10–20g

Diet

Aquatic invertebrates, worms, snails, crustaceans, small fish, and amphibians

Habitat

Banks of fresh water, marshes, and wet grassland

Range

Northern Eurasia

The Eurasian water shrew is a relatively large, dark shrew with a sharply contrasting pale underside and stiff hairs fringing the feet and underside of the tail. These hairs assist swimming. Adults are roughly 60–100mm and 10–20g. Its pointed muzzle and red-tipped teeth identify it as a shrew rather than a rodent. The saliva is venomous and helps subdue prey. (Animal Diversity Web; Dutch Mammal Society)

It lives beside flowing or standing fresh water across northern Eurasia and also uses marshes and wet grassland with dense bankside cover. Animals swim and hunt underwater for aquatic insects, larvae, snails, worms, crustaceans, small fish, and amphibians, while also foraging on land. They are largely solitary and active in short bouts by day and night. Mongolia-specific localities were not given. (Animal Diversity Web; Dutch Mammal Society)

Description: Wildlife of Mongolia guide, Wildlife of Everywhere (wildlifeofeverywhere.com)