Its fur traps bubbles of air in the water which greatly aids its buoyancy, but requires it to anchor itself to remain underwater for more than the briefest of dives.

Highly territorial, it lives a solitary life and is found throughout the northern part of Europe and Asia, from Britain to Korea.

[4] The sharp, mostly white teeth are tipped with red, typical of the shrew subfamily Soricinae.

[1] The Eurasian water shrew is found throughout Europe with the exception of Iceland, Ireland, certain Mediterranean islands and the Balkans.

At this time the males wander about visiting various female territories which indicates a promiscuous mating system without pair bonding.

When it emerges from the water it enters one of its many burrows and any moisture adhering to the fur is absorbed by the earth walls.

[6] According to a study, N. fodiens showed a higher consumption frequency of small invertebrates (larvae) compared to medium-sized earthworms and beetles.

[8] The Eurasian water shrew has a pair of glands under its jaw which produce venom, and this has been shown to be potent against the field vole (Microtus agrestis), and lethal at a minimum dose of fifteen milligrams per kilogram body weight.

[10] Overall, the Eurasian water shrew venom has stronger paralytic properties and lower cardioinhibitory activity.

In some areas habitat degradation is occurring and wetlands are being drained but not to such an extent as to increase the status to "Vulnerable".

Other possible threats include agricultural products and sewage which may pollute waterways and reduce the availability of food.