A water vole nibbles on a berry somewhere in Europe. Courtesy/animalresourcefoundation.com

Animal Resource Foundation News:

Today’s animal is the water vole. Here is everything you need to know about these small creatures. 

Appearance

• The European water vole can grow up to nine inches in length, not including the tail.
• Their tails can reach up to half their body length.
• Water voles have dark brown fur with slightly lighter underbellies. Their coloring evolved to blend in with their environment.
• They average 2 to 5 oz. 

Range

You can find water voles in the following countries: 

• Europe
• Russia
• West Asia
• Kazakhstan

Habitat

• Voles excavate burrows out of the banks of rivers, ponds, streams and ditches.
• They prefer to dig next to calm, slow-moving water.
• They can also build ball-shaped nests above ground if no suitable subterranean space is available.
• Though they prefer lush riverbanks, they will venture into woodlands and fields if necessary.

Diet

• As herbivores, water voles eat mostly grass and vegetation.
• Some of their favorite foods include fruits, roots, buds and bulbs.
• Voles located in Europe have been known to cause “plagues” by ravenously devouring rich crop harvests.
• When they cannot find enough vegetation to eat, they can consume smaller animals like frogs and reptiles.

Behavior

• Voles are experts at swimming and diving.