Polaaripäästä

Polaaripäästä, scientific name Sorex arcticus, is a species of shrew found in the Arctic and subarctic regions of Eurasia. It is a small mammal characterized by its dense, dark fur, which provides insulation against the cold. The polar shrew's diet primarily consists of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, which it hunts using its keen sense of smell and hearing.

This species inhabits a range of environments, including tundra, taiga, and rocky areas. Its distribution extends across Siberia, the Russian Far East, and parts of northern Scandinavia. The polar shrew is an active forager, often digging shallow burrows or using existing tunnels made by other small animals. Its metabolism is high, requiring it to consume food frequently to maintain its body temperature.

Reproduction in polar shrews typically occurs during the warmer months. Females give birth to litters of several young, which are born blind and helpless. The young mature quickly and are soon able to forage independently. Despite its small size, the polar shrew plays a role in its ecosystem as both predator and prey. It is an important food source for various birds of prey and carnivorous mammals in its habitat. Conservation status for the polar shrew is generally considered stable, as its population is widespread across its vast Arctic range.