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 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.
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The woodland vole, sometimes known as the pine vole, is mainly found in deciduous woodland areas. The survival rate of woodland voles depends on the number of predators in its particular habitat which include hawks & foxes.
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Woodland Vole
These voles occur largely in woodland areas where ground cover in the form of leaf litter and lodged grasses offers suitable protection. They have a fondness for burrowing just under the surface of the ground, much like moles. Although woodland voles sometimes use surface runways in grassy areas, they are more inclined to spend their time in underground galleries that they dig for themselves or usurp from moles, short-tailed shrews, or other small mammals.
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Woodland voles are found in deciduous woodlands
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The nest is globular in shape, constructed mainly of dead grasses, leaves, and other vegetation and usually placed in a special chamber in the ground. Occasionally, it is located under a partly buried log or among the roots of a stump. Two or more passages usually lead from it to the surface, thereby providing avenues of escape should the occupants be molested.
The alternate common name "pine vole" and the Latin species name pinetorum are misleading, as this species is rarely found in or around pinewoods. The woodland vole is somewhat colonial, although colonies sometimes disband and disappear for no apparent reason. This species does not show population cycles, although it varies greatly in number through time. Its main predators are hawks, owls, foxes, and black snakes.
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The most relevant links we could find, placed here free
 Species At Risk
- This page looks at the distribution and population of woodland voles and the threats to its habitats. www.speciesatrisk.gc.ca
Animal Diversity Web
- This profile of woodlands voles contains pictures as well as interesting information and facts. animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu
Their fur is brownish above and grayish below, is soft and thick and lies flat against the body when rubbed either forward or backward, an adaptation for traveling either direction in tunnels. The nose is blunt, and the short tail is only slightly longer than the small hind feet Their bodies have become modified for their partially subterranean habitat by a reduction of the eyes, external ears, and tail. Their fore claws are also somewhat enlarged for digging.
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A woodland vole feeding
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This vole species may be active any time of the day or night, they do not hibernate and are capable of reproducing throughout the warm season. The gestation period is 24-25 days and litter size varies from one to four. The young are weaned at three weeks. Adults forage in runways below the litter or in deeper burrows. Their vegetarian diet consists of fruits, roots, seeds, leaves, etc. In provision for winter they usually store tubers.
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