In Europe, when seasonal conditions provide plenty of foodįor several years, 'plagues' of water voles may occur. It will also eat twigs, buds, bulbs, roots, and fallenįruit. Tears at the plant stems and pushes them into its mouth with itsįront paws. Night, the water vole eats mainly grasses and waterside plants. Water voles will fight if they are overcrowded, uttering May form groups consisting of the adult pair and two generations of They are weaned at 14 days, by which time they areĪbout half the adult size. By 5ĭays the young have their furry coats, and 3 days later they open Period is 20 to 22 days, and up to eight young may be born. The young of the first litter may produce Pushes out a secretion that it then stamps into the Below: Water Territory, the male rakes its hind feet over its flank gland and Over 425 feet of water bank the female somewhat less. ~ BEHAVIOR The male water vole has a range of In winter they move away from the water and build their Sum-mer they often build tunnels that link their burrows to nearby North American water voles are semi-aquatic. In these regions they may be found far from water,īurrow-ing close to the surface in woodlands, meadows, and even Parts of Asia, water voles are more similar to moles in their May also build these nests under driftwood or on the water bank, if Within their burrows theyīuild ball-shaped nests of grass and other plant materi-al.

They areĪlso occasion-ally found further upland. Streams-wherever the water level remains fairly con-stant. The banks of slow-flowing lowland rivers or in ponds and In the British Isles water voles live in burrows that they dig in Altogether thereĪre three species of water vole, located in Britain, continentalĮurope, Siberia, southwestern Asia, and northwestern North America. But inĬentral Europe and further east, water voles are often found livingįar from water, in gardens, orchards, and meadows. 0160200341 PACKETģ4 As their name implies, water voles are at home in water. IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETMBurrow: There are several underwaterĮntrances to the burrow, providing easy access-and a good escape Raises a cloud of mud that acts as a smoke screen. When chased underwater by an enemy such as an otter, the vole THE WATER VOLE'S AQUATIC LIFE Smoke screen: Water voles are hunted for their fur in the Soviet Union but areĬonsidered pests in Europe. In southwestern Canada and northwestern United States. Scandinavia and southern areas), and part of the Soviet Union. DISTRIBUTION Found in most of Great Britain, Europe (except SPECIES There are 3 species of water vole worldwide. lifespan:Ībout 5 months in the wild up to 5 years in captivity. When fright-ened high, shrill squeak when fighting. LIFESTYLE Habit: Lives in small family groups.ĭiet: Mainly grasses and waterside plants. Weight: 5-11 oz.īREEDING Sexual maturity: 5 weeks in females in some locations.īreeding season: March to October. They live mainly in meadows, but some kindsĬan be found along the banks of rivers, ponds, and canals.

~ ~ ORDER RodentiaįAMILY Muridae GENUS Arvicola Water voles are aquatic mammals that © MCMXCI IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILE TM Burrow: There are several underwater entrances to the burrow, providing easy access-and a good escape route if chased by a predator. T HE WATER VOLE'S AQUATIC LIFE Smoke screen: When chased underwater by an enemy such as an otter, the vole raises a cloud of mud that acts as a smoke screen. In Britain their numbers have declined in the last decade. CONSERVATION Water voles are hunted for their fur in the Soviet Union but are considered pests in Europe. Also in southwestern Canada and northwestern United States. DISTRIBUTION Found in most of Great Britain, Europe (except Scandinavia and southern areas), and part of the Soviet Union. RElATED SPECIES There are 3 species of water vole worldwide. lifespan: About 5 months in the wild up to 5 years in captivity. Call: Rasping squeak when fright- ened high, shrill squeak when fighting. Diet: Mainly grasses and waterside plants. LIFESTYLE Habit: Lives in small family groups.

BREED ING Sexual maturity: 5 weeks in females in some locations. Th ey live mainly in meadows, but some kinds can be fo und alo ng the banks of rivers, ponds, and canals. '' CARD 131 I WATER VOLE ORDER Rodentia FAMILY Muridae GENUS Arvicola Water voles are aquatic mammals that look like large rat s.

Wildlife fact file cards complete set