The vagrant shrew uses damp grasslands and waterside habitats. Its coat varies by region and season, and it mainly eats invertebrates.
Interior populations have grayish to dark-brown back fur, while coastal populations can be nearly black. Winter fur is longer and darker than summer fur.
It eats earthworms, insects, spiders, snails, and other small invertebrates. California state information says it is active year-round and mostly nocturnal there.
IUCN Red List · Least Concern (LC) · Global