Shrews
Alaska shrews have not been studied as much as most of its animals, so many particulars of their distribution, breeding cycles, and population remain unknown. Currently, ten species of shrews have been identified in Alaska, but debate remains over their identity and genetic relationships. All of Alaska's shrew species look alike to lay observers, but experts differentiate them based on their ranges and skull structure. Shrews live throughout the state, even on isolated islands, in habitats from temperate rain forests of the Southeast to Arctic tundra. They generally eat insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, though they may also eat other meat and plants. Their predators in Alaska include weasels, marten, fox, domestic cats, other shrews, and owls. Shrews may be helpful in agricultural areas by eating insects, but elsewhere they may be pests by eating household meat left uncovered. None of Alaska's shrew populations is threatened, with the possible exception of the Pribilof Island shrew.
| Species | More information | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Glacier Bay water shrew Sorex alaskanus |
Glacier Bay water shrews are known from Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in southeast Alaska. | |
| Common shrew Sorex cinereus |
The common shrew is one of the two most widespread species of shrew in Alaska (the other being the dusky shrew). It is found from the Brooks Range to Southeast Alaska. | |
| Pygmy shrew Sorex hoyi Image |
The pygmy shrew is found throughout most of the state except the North Slope and the southeast. | |
| Pribilof Island shrew Sorex hydrodromus Image |
The Pribilof Island shrew is found only on the Pribilof Islands. | |
| St. Lawrence Island shrew Sorex jacksoni |
The St. Lawrence Island shrew is found only on St. Lawrence Island. | |
| Dusky shrew Sorex monticolus Image |
The dusky shrew is one of the two most widespread species of shrew in Alaska (the other being the common shrew). It is found from the Brooks Range to Southeast Alaska. | |
| Water shrew Sorex palustris |
The water shrew is found from Southcentral and Southeast Alaska to the Alaska Range in the north. | |
| Tundra shrew Sorex tundrensis Image |
Tundra shrews are found throughout most of the state except the southeast. | |
| Barrenground shrew Sorex ugyunak Image |
Barrenground shrews are found on the North Slope. | |
| Tiny shrew Sorex yukonicus Image |
The tiny shrew appears to be widespread but uncommon in Alaska. |
Read more about this topic: List Of Mammals Of Alaska