The Prairie Vole is famous among behavioral scientists as a model of social monogamy—rare in rodents—with pairs forming long-lasting bonds and co-parenting offspring. Neurobiological studies have linked this behavior to high densities of vasopressin receptors in reward centers of the brain. It inhabits the central grasslands of North America, creating networks of runways through grassy vegetation.
Best time to see a Prairie Vole
The best time to see a Prairie Vole is January–July, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 98 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Prairie Vole? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Prairie Vole sightings near you
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