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 Voles - Pages on voles, AKA meadow mice or field mice depending upon what part of the world you live in. Pages devoted to the classification & behaviour of the vole, as well as useful advice on how to control vole populations and damage.
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Approximately 70 vole species have been discovered which include: meadow Vole, Florida salt marsh vole, Arctic voles, southern red-back voles, bank vole, water vole, CA vole and red-backed vole.
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Vole Species
Most species of vole, range in length from 31/2 to 7 in. (9-18 cm) and have rounded bodies with gray or brown coats, blunt muzzles, small ears concealed in the long fur, and short tails. They are found in a wide variety of habitats mostly in the eastern hemisphere. However, several species occur in the United States. Of the approximately 70 vole species, over 40, distributed throughout North America, Eurasia, and North Africa, are classified in the genus Microtus.
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The most common vole genus is Microtus
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The Microtus voles live in small colonies of a few to 300 individuals in grass meadows where they build distinctive runways which crisscross the area. They also dig underground burrows where they construct food and nesting chambers. Voles do not hibernate and are active throughout the winter. During the winter in snow covered areas, the voles make runways beneath the snow and feed on the snow-flattened grasses. They also burrow up through the snow to reach grass seed heads using various levels within the snow pack.
Vole numbers fluctuate from year to year; under favorable conditions their populations can increase rapidly. In some areas their numbers are cyclical, reaching peak numbers every 3 to 6 years before dropping back to low levels. Voles may breed any time of year, but the peak breeding period is spring. Voles are extremely prolific with females maturing in 35 to 40 days and having five to ten litters per year. Litter size ranges from three to six. However, voles seldom live past 12 months of age.
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Some vole species like the water vole have become endangered
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It is when vole populations have peaked that their presence can become a problem for humans. Species such as the meadow vole that are mainly found in grassy agricultural land are seen as a pest as they eat and damage crops and also eat plants and ruin lawns in gardens. However some vole species like the Florida salt marsh vole in America and the water vole in Britain have become endangered species due to the deterioration of their habitats.
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 Field Mouse - The field mouse is the name given to a number of different species of voles and mice. Lots of field mouse information, links and pictures of field mice.
 Meadow Vole - The meadow vole is one of the most common species of vole. Meadow Vole behavior is consistent with that of most vole species in that it is mainly nocturnal. The meadow vole life cycle is usually complete in less than a year.
 Florida Salt Marsh Vole - The Florida salt marsh vole is an extremely rare subspecies of the meadow vole. Its dependance on a specialised habitat dominated by seashore salt grass has led to the Florida salt marsh vole becoming an endangered species.
 Arctic Voles - There are several species of vole which live in arctic habitats and are commonly referred to as arctic voles. These include the grey-sided vole, northern red-backed vole, tundra vole, taiga vole and snow vole.
 Southern Red-back Voles - Southern red-back voles prefer coniferous woods near springs, brooks or bogs but they also inhabit deciduous forests. Red-backed voles are primarily herbivores, although they occasionally eat small invertebrates.
 Bank Vole - Bank voles are found across Britain, Europe and further east into central Asia. They live in deciduous woods, hedgerow and grassland. Bank vole numbers are strong despite being hunted by species of owl, kestrels and weasels.
 Water Vole - Water voles live near slow rivers, ponds, streams an ditches. They are widespread across Europe and Britain although their numbers are falling due to water pollution and the deterioration of its habitats.
 CA Vole - The CA vole, also known as the California vole is most commonly found in grassland and can be a pest to farmers as they can damage crops. The CA vole has a number of predators which include hawks, owls, weasels, and snakes.
 Red-backed Vole - Red-backed voles can be found in North America, Europe and Asia, the rusty red fur on their back gives them their name. There are at least 10 subspecies which include southern red-back voles.
 Vole Species 2 - The vole species 2 page gives you access to information about the snow vole, prairie vole, woodland vole, heather vole, sagebrush vole, tundra vole and pine vole.
The most relevant links we could find, placed here free
 EEK! - Critter Corner
- This page profiles one of the most common vole species, the meadow vole. www.dnr.state.wi.us
South West Biodiversity
- This page has lots of interesting information about one of the rarest vole species, the water vole. www.swbiodiversity.org.uk
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