Voles are small, rodent-like mammals often mistaken for mice. These adaptable creatures inhabit a wide range of environments, from grassy fields and meadows to forests and suburban yards. While sharing some characteristics with other small rodents, voles possess distinct physical features that aid identification.
Physical Traits of Voles
Voles typically have a compact, stocky body with short limbs, generally measuring between 3 and 8 inches in length, including their tail. Their build is robust and rounded. For example, Meadow Voles can reach about 6 inches long and weigh around 1.5 ounces.
The head of a vole is rounded, with a blunt snout. Their eyes are small and often appear partially hidden by their dense fur. Their ears are also small and rounded, frequently blending into the surrounding fur or barely protruding.
A key characteristic of voles is their short, hairy tail, which is significantly shorter than their body length, usually measuring 1 to 2 inches. This tail is covered in fur, often matching body coloration, and can sometimes be bicolored. Their fur is dense and soft, though it can feel slightly coarse, and its color varies from brown and gray to reddish-brown or chestnut, often with a darker shade on the back and a lighter belly. Voles also possess small, strong paws with sharp claws, well-suited for burrowing.
Voles Versus Look-Alikes
Distinguishing voles from other small mammals, particularly mice, requires observing unique physical attributes. Voles are often confused with mice, but key differences are apparent.
Voles have a stockier body and shorter legs than mice. Their tails are notably shorter and furrier, unlike the long, thin, and often scaly tails of mice. Voles also have a rounded head with a blunt snout, and their ears and eyes are smaller and less prominent, often concealed by fur. Conversely, mice typically feature a more pointed nose and larger, more visible ears and eyes.
When comparing voles to shrews, distinct visual cues emerge. Voles have a blunt snout, while shrews are characterized by a long, pointed snout. While both have small eyes, a vole’s eyes are generally more visible, unlike the tiny, often hidden eyes of a shrew. Their ears are small and rounded, yet still discernible, while a shrew’s ears are extremely small and frequently hidden within their fur. Shrews are also smaller in overall size than voles.
Common Vole Types
There are approximately 50 vole species, and their appearance can vary slightly based on the species and geographical region. In North America, several common vole types are encountered, each with subtle distinguishing features. The Meadow Vole, for example, is widespread and typically has rich, dark brown fur with paler underparts, and its tail can be up to 2.5 inches long. Their eyes and ears are visible and not entirely covered by fur.
The Prairie Vole is a common species, often characterized by grayish-brown fur that has a grizzled appearance from black or brownish-yellow tipped hairs. Their belly fur may have a yellowish hue. Woodland Voles are generally smaller, sometimes measuring less than four inches in length. The North American Water Vole is the largest species in the region, reaching up to 8 or 9 inches long.