Masked Shrew

Sorex cinereus

The masked shrew is commonly and widely distributed throughout Canada. It lives in a wide range of habitats, from dense forests to arctic tundra and from the seashore to alpine meadows. These diminutive beasts reach a maximum length of ten centimetres. Due to their extremely rapid metabolic rate, shrews are subject to heart attacks if they are startled or handled by humans. Masked shrews feed mainly on insects, invertebrates, earthworms and centipedes, and vegetable matter. Masked shrews have also been known to feed on the nestlings of birds.

Distribution of Masked Shrew in Canada