Species MammalsWater Vole

Water Vole

Microtus richardsoni

UncommonMammal
Illustration of Water Vole (Microtus richardsoni)

The Water Vole is the largest North American vole, inhabiting streamside meadows at high elevations in the Rocky Mountains and Cascades. It swims readily in mountain streams and constructs its burrow systems along stream banks with underwater entrances. Unlike European water voles, the North American species does not live in lowland rivers.

Habitat
Alpine and subalpine streamside meadows
Diet
Sedges, rushes, grasses, and willows
How common
Uncommon

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