Description: Usually dark grey to black dorsal fur, some dark brown. Ventral fur is silver-grey up to a pale white or grey chin. Occasional brown markings. Tail is dark above and white or grey below. Front and hind feet are fringed with small stiff hairs. Similar to Pacific Water Shrew (S. bendirii) but different distributions.

Habitat: Generally found at elevations greater than 1000 meters. Found in wet habitats, usually by fast-flowing mountain streams, or streams with rapids and riffles. Also found in wet meadows and alder-willow thickets bordering ponds and lakes.

Feeding: Primarily on aquatic insects and insect larvae, also on arachnids, snails, slugs, and small fish.

Breeding: Breeding season extends from December to September. Females produce litters of three to ten young, most common is six.

References: Nagorsen, David W. 1996. Oppossums, Shrews and Moles of British Columbia. Royal British Columbia Museum Handbook. Victoria, B.C.

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