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Meadow Vole
Microtus pennsylvanicus
©Rob & Ann Simpson
The Meadow Vole is active usually at night, occasionally during the day. It is less active during a full moon. The diet of this vole consists almost entirely of green vegetation and tubers, including many grasses, clover, and plantain. The animal produces grass cuttings as it reaches up and cuts off the stalk, pulls it down and cuts it again, until the seed heads are reached. The vole apparently consumes flowers, leaves, and all but the tough outer layer of the stalk, eating almost its own weight daily. The Meadow Vole constructs a system of surface runways and underground burrows. The spherical grass nest may be located in the burrows in summer or in a depression on the surface under matted vegetation; in winter, it is usually placed on the surface as long as there is snow cover for protection and insulation. A three- to four-year population cycle is well developed in this species. When alarmed, the Meadow Vole stamps its hindfeet like a rabbit. It uses vocalizations as a threat to other meadow voles. It is preyed on by house cats, foxes, coyotes, snakes, hawks, owls, and most other common predators; this widespread species is a mainstay in the diet of many carnivores. The Beach Vole, which is larger, more grizzled, and pale brown, is often considered a separate species (
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