Fauna Flora Photography

Meadow Vole Microtus pennsylvanicus

A small rodent, although abundant rarely seen in the open due to its preference to be active at night. Lives in moist areas of meadows or forest. Prey for many hawks, owls and mammalian carnivores.

Specs

Length12-18cm
Weight25-60g

Common Names

GermanWiesenwühlmaus
EnglishMeadow Vole
FrenchCampagnol des prés
SpanishMicrotus pennsylvanicus

Taxonomy

OrderRodentia
SuborderCricetidae
FamilyArvicolinae
SpeciesMicrotus pennsylvanicus

How to Identify

For now, I identify this species by type of habitat where I find its burrow usually located in moist, dense, low growing grassland.

Meadow Vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) - Parc Angrignon - 2018-04-22

Where and When to Spot

They are around all year. The only individual of this species I have spotted so far, moved around the entrance of its burrow located close to the large pond in Park Angrignon.

Last updated on 2023-12-15. Written and regularly updated by Karl-Heinz Müller, Dipl. Natw. ETH, Biology. With 10 years of experience in wildlife photography, Karl-Heinz shares first-hand, on-site collected observations, photos and videos from his frequent visits to parks in the Montreal area.