The water shrew is the largest of our shrew species. True to its name, it is closely tied to wet habitats like streams, ponds, fens, and reedbeds. It spends much of its time searching for invertebrates and will even dive below the surface to catch larvae such as caddisflies and mayflies. Although it lacks webbed feet, the stiff hairs along its hind feet and tail help it move efficiently through the water. Water shrews make small burrows in the banks beside their aquatic homes. They breed across the summer months, with litters ranging from three to fifteen young.