Fig. 29. Distribution of the wandering shrew in Washington. A. Sorex vagrans vagrans. B. Sorex vagrans monticola.
The wandering shrew changes from winter to summer pelage in a few days, seemingly in the second week of October ([Dalquest], 1944: 147). The spring molt occurs rapidly but perhaps at a less regular date. Rarely a midsummer molt occurs.
The earliest evidence of breeding in a wandering shrew was discovered on January 27, 1937. Most adult females taken in February, March, April and May were pregnant. Embryos were less often found in summer and fall, but one pregnant female was taken in November. Embryos varied in number from 3 to 8 with an average of six.
Sorex vagrans vagrans [Baird]
Sorex vagrans [Baird], Rept. Pacific R. R. Survey, 8 (pt. 1):15, 1857.
Sorex suckleyi [Baird], Rept. Pacific R. R. Survey, 8 (pt. 1):18, 1857 (type from Steilacoom Pierce County, Washington).
Type.—Obtained at Willapa Bay [Shoalwater Bay], Pacific County, Washington, by J. G. Cooper; entered in U. S. Nat. Mus. catalogue on October 23, 1856.
Racial characters.—Dark color.
Measurements.—Twenty-five males and 25 females from Seattle, King County, average, respectively: total length 110.5, 107; length of tail 44.6, 45; hind foot 12.4, 12.4.