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Vole (Meadow)

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Microtus pennsylvanicus

Range

Meadow voles are found throughout most of Canada and Alaska, south through the northern half of U.S. and south down to Georgia.

Habitat

They live in grassy fields, woodland, orchards, marshes, and along lakes and rivers.

Body Traits

Meadow voles are 5-7 inches long, including their tail and weigh about 1-2 ounces. They vary in color from yellowish, reddish to blackish-brown.

Habits

They build tunnels (runways) under the grass where they can travel safely from predators. They are active at night (nocturnal) in summer, and during the day (diurnal) in winter. They do not hibernate.

Diet

Meadow voles eat grass, seeds, leaves, roots, flowers, bark, bulbs, and insects.

Predators

They in turn are an important source of food for many predators, including hawks, owls, foxes, snakes, raccoons, etc.

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Reproduction

Females are pregnant for 3 weeks (gestation) having 1-9 babies. They commonly have 5 litters a year.

Lifespan and/or Conservation Status

Meadow Voles live 1.5 years in the wild. They are listed as Lower Risk - least concern.

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Suborder: Myomorpha
Family: Cricetidae
Subfamily: Arvicolinae
Genus: Microtus
Species: Microtus pennsylvanicus

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