Mammals
Arctic Shrew
Sorex arcticus · also called saddle-backed shrew
Wearing a dark saddle of fur down its back that fades into paler sides after the autumn moult, an arctic shrew forages through boreal leaf litter well south of the true polar Arctic its name might suggest.
Overview
The arctic shrew, Sorex arcticus, is a distinctively tricoloured insectivore native to forest and grassland habitat across northern North America, including much of Canada and parts of the northern United States. Its striking three-toned coat that becomes more pronounced after autumn moulting, tolerance for harsh cold-climate conditions, and misleading common name despite living mostly south of the true Arctic make it one of the more visually distinctive shrew species found across the northern reaches of the continent.
A name that overstates its range
Despite carrying “arctic” in its name, this species spends most of its life well south of the true polar Arctic, with the name instead reflecting its strong association with the cold boreal forest and grassland habitat typical of Canada and the northern United States.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable forest and grassland habitat throughout northern North America.
Arctic Shrew: common questions
Does the arctic shrew actually live in the Arctic?
Not entirely, since this species is found across much of its range well south of the true Arctic, with its common name instead reflecting its association with cold northern boreal habitat rather than genuine polar tundra specifically.
What does the arctic shrew's coat look like?
This species has a distinctive tricoloured coat, with a dark saddle of fur running down the back fading into paler sides and an even paler belly, a pattern that becomes especially pronounced and strikingly contrasted following its autumn moult.
How is the arctic shrew adapted to cold climates?
This species is well adapted to cold northern climates, tolerating harsh winters across the boreal forest and grassland habitat that makes up much of its range throughout northern North America.
Where does the arctic shrew live?
This species is native to forest and grassland habitat across northern North America, including much of Canada and parts of the northern United States, generally favouring cooler, more northerly climates within this broad range.