Northern Water Shrew
The Conservancy is assessing the quality of critical habitats for a variety of species, including the northern water shrew.
As Conservancy staff members assess the potential impacts of shale gas extraction, they are keeping species such as the northern water shrew in mind.
WPC’s ongoing assessment project monitors critical habitats for species of special concern as identified by the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program or species listed in the State Wildlife Action Plan for Pennsylvania.
One such species is the northern water shrew (Sorex palustris albibarbis), a grayish-black, long-tailed animal that lives among the moss and boulders near streams and lakes in Central and Northeastern Pennsylvania.
The 5- to 6½ -inch mammal lives a solitary, short life focused on foraging for insects, slugs, snails and other prey – after all, it can only survive without food for three hours. In its 18-month life span, it spends day and night near water. Their large, partially webbed feet help them submerge, swim and surface.
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program considers the northern water shrew as a species of special concern. While it is considered secure globally, it is vulnerable to habitat loss and impacts to water quality and is a candidate for listing as rare in Pennsylvania. Because the animal lives near waterways, intact natural stream corridors and lake buffers are critical for the species.