Voles

Voles are rodents that look much like mice, only with shorter tails. They’re dark brown in color, about 5 inches in length and have eyes and ears that you can readily notice. Voles search for green plants and seeds during the day and night and winter travels in tunnels. Once spring melt arrives, voles may still be present or potentially moved on.

Voles

Overview

Scientific Name:

Microtus

Color:
Reddish or brown or black with gray underside

Weight:
Less than 50g (2 oz)

Length:
15-20cm (6-8in)

Tail Length:
3-6cm (1-2.4in)

Body:
Long stocky bodies, short legs and short tails

Ears:
No external ears but have good sense of hearing

Eyes:
Voles have poor eyesight but make it up by using their small body shape and sharp claws to guide them through the soil

Lifespan:
Up to a year, sometimes even longer but not by much

Droppings:
Vole droppings look very similar to mouse scat but green or grey. Typically scattered along their trails and grassy nests