Head to head
American Water Shrew vs Northern Short-Tailed Shrew
The American water shrew and northern short-tailed shrew are both North American insectivores, but each relies on a completely different specialised adaptation to survive.
| American Water Shrew | Northern Short-Tailed Shrew | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Sorex palustris | Blarina brevicauda |
| Signature adaptation | Can briefly run across water | Venomous, paralysing bite |
| Lifestyle | Semi-aquatic | Terrestrial, largely subterranean |
| Prey-handling strategy | Hunts underwater and on land | Paralyses and caches prey alive |
| Native range | Canada and northern United States | Eastern North America |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Stable | Stable |
| Habitat | Wetlands, forest | Forest, grassland |
American Water Shrew vs Northern Short-Tailed Shrew: common questions
Which of these shrews has the more unusual hunting adaptation?
Both have genuinely unusual adaptations, but the northern short-tailed shrew's venomous bite, which lets it paralyse and store prey alive underground, is arguably more unique among mammals generally, while the American water shrew's ability to briefly run across water is a specialised trick shared with only a few other semi-aquatic shrews.
Do both shrews live in similar habitat?
Not exactly, since the American water shrew is semi-aquatic, favouring wetland and forest habitat with streams and ponds, while the northern short-tailed shrew is largely terrestrial and subterranean, favouring forest and grassland habitat across eastern North America.
Is the American water shrew venomous like the northern short-tailed shrew?
No, the American water shrew is not documented as venomous, relying instead on its water-walking ability and swimming adaptations to hunt, while the northern short-tailed shrew is one of North America's few venomous mammals, using a paralysing bite to subdue and store prey.