Sorex fumeus
Smoky shrew

Key Characteristics

The smoky shrew is a small rodent (4.3 to 5.0 in/11 to 12.6 cm in length) with an elongated head, pointed nose, tiny eyes, and short dark fur. The tail is two-toned, dark on top and yellowish-tan below, and is between 1.7 and 2.0 inches (4.2 and 5.2 cm) in length.

Status and Rank

  • State Status: T - Threatened (legally protected)
  • State Rank: S1 - Critically imperiled
  • Global Rank: G5 - Secure

Occurrences

County NameNumber of OccurrencesYear Last Observed
Chippewa11981
County Distribution Map for [SNAME]

Updated 05/08/2013. Information is summarized from MNFI's database of rare species and community occurrences. Data may not reflect true distribution since much of the state has not been thoroughly surveyed.

Habitat

This species inhabits northern hardwood and boreal forests with thick leaf litter over loosely packed soils. In Michigan, it has only been documented on Sugar Island along the St. Mary's River between Ontario and mainland Chippewa County. There it was found in a mesic northern forest dominated by sugar maple. In Ontario, it is also known to inhabit (but doesn't necessarily prefer) cedar swamps, bogs, and other mixed coniferous forests with saturated soils.

Specific Habitat Needs

Downed woody debris needed in Boreal forest, Mesic northern forest

Natural Community Types

Management

Maintaining forest canopy cover and thick leaf litter would be beneficial to this species.

Active Period

Breeding from fourth week of March to fourth week of September

Parturition from third week of April to fourth week of October

Survey Methods

The smoky shrew is active at all times during day and night throughout the year, though populations are at their peak between July and October. Like many other small mammals, populations are cyclical from year to year and surveys should be conducted for several consecutive years to obtain the most reliable results.

Page Citation

Michigan Natural Features Inventory. 2007. Rare Species Explorer (Web Application). Available online at http://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/explorer [Accessed May 21, 2013]

References

Survey References

Technical References