Vole Facts
- The vole is often confused with the mole and gopher due to habitat overlap and similar eating habits - Control methods differ for these three species; many people misidentify their target and often use improper techniques in their abatement efforts.
- Some species of vole can be found to inhabit elevations of up to 12,000 ft.
- Voles do not hibernate.
- Voles can be found active virtually any time of day. In colder climates, the vole tends to be more active during the day in winter. In warmer climates, the vole tends to be nocturnal in summer.
- Voles are not sanitary animals − piles of feces will often be found throughout their burrow.
- The ears of the vole are smaller in comparison to the mouse.
- California and meadow voles will cannibalize the young of other voles if found.
- The female California vole will abandon her young if she is exposed the pheromones of an unknown male California vole.
- Voles will often "borrow" the burrow of another burrowing creature in its travels.
- Most voles will rarely live more than a year.
- Meadow voles are aggressive and will attack if cornered or captured.
Acknowledgment:
- O'Brein, John M., 1994. Voles: Prevention and control of wildlife damage. Agricultural Programs Coordinator. Nevada Department of Agriculture
- University of Michigan Museum of Zoology - Animal Diversity Web
