S. sonomae is categorized as the "largest" shrew found on the "Pacific Coast" of the United States.[2] It is recognized by its "reddish, light-brown" fur and a tail that "is almost ly colored."[3] Some information is available on the fog shrew's dentition; however, there is no citable reference for the dental formula. One paper has found the dental formula of the fog shrew to be 3.1.3.32.0.1.3 (x 2 = 32 total teeth), but there is debate in the academic community.[4] A conservative estimate has an adult fog shrew ranging in total length from 120-158mm,[3] but has been observed to have a wider range in total length (105-180mm).[5] The weight range for the fog shrew varies in different sources, but falls within the range of 5.5–18 g (0.19–0.63 oz).[3][5]
The fog shrew is found in areas of "chaparral, coastal coniferous forests, and marshy areas."[1][3] The areas in which individuals live tend to be moist environments. This includes being near creeks and on the forest floor under fallen trees and other debris.[3][1]
The southernmost range of S. sonomae is Marin County near the city of Sonoma in California and range north to the "central coast of Oregon."[3] They tend to stay closer to the coast and not move far inland unless they are near a body of water.
^ abcdefghJameson, E. W. (2004). Mammals of California. Peeters, Hans J., Jameson, E. W. (Everett Williams), 1921- (Rev. ed.). Berkeley: University of California Press. ISBN9780520235823. OCLC52942735.
