ExploreMammals

Red-backed Voles

Clethrionomys

Red-backed voles are small, furry animals with a reddish-brown stripe down their backs. They love to scurry around in the grass and are great at hiding from predators!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Red-backed Vole has a distinctive reddish-brown stripe running down its back, contrasting with grayish-brown sides and a pale belly. It features small, rounded ears partially hidden by fur and a relatively short, hairy tail. This striking back color makes it visually different from many other voles.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilyCricetidaeGenusMyodes
Red-backed Voles
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Red-backed Voles

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Red-backed voles "bark" tiny warnings to alert family to danger.

Their teeth never stop growing, worn down by chewing tough plants.

These busy rodents stay active and forage even under deep snow.

They sometimes use old mole tunnels as ready-made highways!

Special abilities

Ability

Tunnel Architect

Red-backed Voles can dig intricate tunnel systems because they have strong claws and an instinct that helps them create safe homes and food caches.

Ability

Fungus Finder

Red-backed Voles has a super-sensitive nose that helps them sniff out tasty mushrooms hidden under leaves, even underground!

Ability

Winter Storekeeper

Red-backed Voles can gather and store food in underground pantries because they need supplies that help them survive the cold winter months.

Ability

Agile Climber

Red-backed Voles can climb trees and shrubs with surprising agility that helps them find berries and escape ground predators.

Measurements & details

Length
11-19 cm
Weight
0.02-0.05 kg
Lifespan
1-2 years
Top Speed
15 km/h
Litter Size
3-8
Gestation
18-22 days

Diet & Feeding

These small omnivores enjoy a varied diet of plants, seeds, fruits, fungi, and occasionally insects.

Primary Foods

  • Seeds
  • Berries
  • Mushrooms
  • Leaves
  • Roots
  • Insects

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus

A common nocturnal predator of small rodents.

eaten by

Red Fox

Vulpes vulpes

A primary predator, hunting voles by scent.

eaten by

Least Weasel

Mustela nivalis

Can enter vole tunnels to hunt them.

eats

White Spruce

Picea glauca

Feeds on fallen seeds, especially in winter.

eats

Porcini Mushroom

Boletus edulis

Forages for various fungi, including specific boletes.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

If you see a vole, watch quietly and don't try to touch it. They are wild animals and need their space.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Red-backed Voles?

11-19 cm

How much does Red-backed Voles weigh?

0.02-0.05 kg

How long does Red-backed Voles live?

1-2 years

How fast can Red-backed Voles move?

15 km/h

What does Red-backed Voles eat?

These small omnivores enjoy a varied diet of plants, seeds, fruits, fungi, and occasionally insects.

Where is Red-backed Voles usually found?

Grasslands

How does Red-backed Voles hunt?

Foraging

How many babies does Red-backed Voles usually have?

3-8

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