The text and paintings on The Trowbridge Chronicles are taken from the illustrated journal of Violet Trowbridge, a shrew that once lived in a village deep in the Olympic Rain Forest. Each new post will represent a portion of Mrs. Trowbridge’s journal.

Friday, February 19, 2010

HOW TROWBRIDGE SHREWS PROPAGATE

Some have asked about the Trowbridge shrew's mating habits. They propagate year round with a short pause during the winter. The pregnancy period is relatively short - about three weeks - and there are five to ten animals in each litter.

Many shrews are lost to birds of prey and accidents, especially the young ones who may venture too close to the rushing waters of a mountain stream. Wild Rose Creek cascades through the village of Huckleberry Hollow, which flows into the North Fork Quinault River. This, in turn, empties into Lake Quinault. This is where the mishap occurred in our story.