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European Water Vole

Arvicola amphibius

The European Water Vole is a small, furry animal that loves to live near water. They are great swimmers and often make their homes in burrows by riverbanks and ponds.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The European Water Vole has a stocky, rounded body covered in dense, dark brown fur, often with a paler belly. It has small, almost hidden ears, a blunt nose, and a short, hairy tail, making it visually distinct from rats.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilyCricetidaeGenusArvicola
European Water Vole
furry trait badgesocial trait badgeburrowing trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
European Water Vole

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A female water vole can have up to five litters of babies in just one year!

Their front teeth grow constantly, so they must chew tough plants to keep them short!

They create special 'feeding platforms' along riverbanks where they leave piles of nibbled plant stems!

Water voles often sit up on their hind legs to eat, just like tiny bears!

Special abilities

Ability

Underwater Escapist

European Water Vole can dive and swim expertly because of its dense, waterproof fur, helping it escape predators underwater.

Ability

Master Burrower

European Water Vole can dig intricate tunnel systems because of its strong claws and robust build, providing safe homes.

Ability

Stealthy Sniffer

European Water Vole has an excellent sense of smell that helps them find hidden food and detect danger even in dense vegetation.

Measurements & details

Length
16-22 cm
Weight
0.15-0.35 kg
Lifespan
1-2 years
Top Speed
10 km/h
Litter Size
2-8
Gestation
20-22 days

Diet & Feeding

These plant-eaters munch on a variety of fresh greens found near water, loving grasses and sedges.

Primary Foods

  • Grasses
  • Sedges
  • Reeds
  • Roots
  • Tubers
  • Water plants

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Eurasian Otter

Lutra lutra

Otters hunt water voles, especially when other prey is scarce.

eaten by

Barn Owl

Tyto alba

Owls often prey on water voles active near water at dusk.

eaten by

European Polecat

Mustela putorius

Polecats are agile hunters of voles in riparian habitats.

eats

Common Reed

Phragmites australis

Consumes various parts of reeds, a common food source.

eats

Slender Sedge

Carex acuta

Sedges are a major part of their diet along water margins.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

If you see a water vole, watch quietly from a distance and don't try to touch it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is European Water Vole?

16-22 cm

How much does European Water Vole weigh?

0.15-0.35 kg

How long does European Water Vole live?

1-2 years

How fast can European Water Vole move?

10 km/h

What does European Water Vole eat?

These plant-eaters munch on a variety of fresh greens found near water, loving grasses and sedges.

Where is European Water Vole usually found?

Wetlands

How does European Water Vole hunt?

Foraging

How many babies does European Water Vole usually have?

2-8

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