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masked shrew

(Sorex cinereus fontinalis)

Characteristics

This small native shrew is grayish brown in color and can be distinguished from the other shrews, Blarina and Cryptotis, by it’s long tail measuring 1-2 inches in length. The shrew weighs in at 3-6 grams, has a body length of 3 1/2 – 41/2 inches, and has a long, sharply-pointed snout.. The breeding season is from March to October with 2-10 young per litter, and more than 1 litter per year. Some females may reach sexual maturity at ages 4-5 months. The gestation period is 18-22 days. The male may assist in raising the litter. Life expectancy in the wild is 2 years. They may consume more than their own weight each day, eating ground dwelling insects. They use nests constructed of dry leaves or grasses and found in stumps, under logs, or in piles of brush. This species is active both day and night but prefers rainy days. Soil moisture is a critical limiting factor in species distribution. Masked shrews are eaten by hawks, owls, foxes weasels, shrikes, fish and other predators.

Distribution

In Virginia, the masked shrew can be found in the western part of the state. They occur in a variety of different habitats which include bogs, swamps, upland hardwoods, and grasslands. as long as the soil is moist. In the United States their distribution covers most of the northern states including Alaska.

Foods

The primary foods include lepidopterous (butterfly/moth) larvae, slugs, Coleoptera (beetles), Coleoptera larvae, and spiders.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Species Profile Database serves as a repository of information for Virginia’s fish and wildlife species. The database is managed and curated by the Wildlife Information and Environmental Services (WIES) program. Species profile data, distribution information, and photography is generated by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, State and Federal agencies, Collection Permittees, and other trusted partners. This product is not suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying use. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources does not accept responsibility for any missing data, inaccuracies, or other errors which may exist. In accordance with the terms of service for this product, you agree to this disclaimer.