Voles

Voles are small rodents that live in the northern hemisphere. They belong to the family of Microtinae and are closely related to mice and lemmings. They are found in a variety of habitats, such as grasslands, meadows, woodlands, and wetlands. Voles have short tails, short ears, small eyes, and their fur is usually brown or gray.

Meta Information

Scientific Name

Microtinae

Average Lifespan

2-3 years

Average Size

6-9 inches

Similar To

Mice, lemmings, shrews, hamsters

Lifecyle

Voles typically have a lifespan of 2-3 years. They reach sexual maturity at around 3 months old, and breeding season typically occurs in the spring and summer. Females can have up to 5 litters in a single year, with each litter containing 4-6 young.

Diet

Voles are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. Their diet consists of grasses, roots, seeds, fruits, insects, and small animals such as mice and birds.

Habitat

Voles can be found in grasslands, meadows, woodlands, and wetlands. They prefer areas with plenty of vegetation, and they build extensive tunnel systems underground.

What are voles?

Voles are small rodents that are often mistaken for mice or shrews. They are typically found in grassy fields, meadows, and along the edges of forests. Voles have a stocky body, short legs, and a short tail. They are about 3-6 inches long and weigh between 1-2 ounces. Voles are herbivores and feed on grasses, roots, and seeds.
What do voles look like?

Voles have a stocky body, short legs, and a short tail. They are about 3-6 inches long and weigh between 1-2 ounces. Voles have a brown or grayish-brown fur, and their belly is usually gray or white. They have small eyes and ears, and their front teeth are long and sharp, which they use to gnaw on plant matter.
Where do voles live?

Voles are found in grassy fields, meadows, and along the edges of forests. They prefer areas with dense vegetation and abundant food sources. Voles build underground burrows and tunnels, which they use for protection and food storage. They are social animals and live in colonies of up to 10 individuals.
What is the lifespan of voles?

The lifespan of voles varies depending on the species and the environment they live in. On average, voles live for about 3 to 6 months in the wild. However, some species can live up to 2 years in captivity.
How do voles reproduce?

Voles reproduce quickly and have a high reproductive rate. Females can have up to 10 litters per year, with each litter consisting of 3-6 young. The gestation period is about 21 days, and the young are weaned at around 3 weeks old. Voles reach sexual maturity at about 6 weeks old.
What are the predators of voles?

Voles have several natural predators, including snakes, birds of prey, foxes, weasels, and cats. They are also vulnerable to domestic pets, such as cats and dogs. Voles use their tunnels and burrows for protection, but they are still at risk of predation.
Do voles cause damage to gardens and crops?

Yes, voles can cause significant damage to gardens and crops. They feed on plant roots, bulbs, and tubers, which can kill or stunt the growth of plants. In some cases, voles can also girdle the bark of trees and shrubs, which can lead to their death. It is essential to control vole populations to prevent damage to gardens and crops.
How can voles be controlled?

There are several ways to control vole populations, including trapping, fencing, and habitat modification. Trapping is an effective method of controlling voles, and it involves placing baited traps in their tunnels and burrows. Fencing can also be used to prevent voles from entering gardens and crops. Habitat modification involves removing dense vegetation and ground cover, which can reduce the number of hiding places for voles. It is essential to use a combination of methods to control vole populations effectively.
Are voles harmful to humans?

Voles are not harmful to humans. They do not carry any diseases that can be transmitted to humans. However, their burrows and tunnels can cause damage to lawns and gardens, and they can also damage crops. Additionally, their presence can attract predators, such as snakes and foxes, which can pose a risk to humans and pets.

10 Fun Facts About

1. Voles are also known as “meadow mice” or “field mice”. 2. Voles are excellent swimmers and can even travel across bodies of water. 3. Voles can jump up to two feet in the air. 4. Voles can have up to 5 litters in a single year. 5. Voles can have up to 100 offspring in a single year. 6. Voles are active during the day and night. 7. Voles are very social and live in large family groups. 8. Voles have a keen sense of smell and hearing. 9. Voles are a major food source for many predators, including owls, hawks, and foxes. 10. Voles are a keystone species, meaning they play an important role in their local ecosystems.