Montane Vole

Mountain voles are mammals in Yellowstone National Park.

NPS

 

Montane vole track

Scientific Name

Microtus montanus

Identification

• 5–7.6 inches long, 1.2–3.2 ounces.
• Brownish to grayish-brown, occasionally grizzled; ventral side is silvery gray; relatively short tail is bi-colored.

Habitat

• Found at all elevations in moist mountain meadows with abundant grass and grassy sage- brush communities; also common in riparian areas.
• Grass is their primary food.
• Probably the most important prey species in the park; eaten by coyotes, raptors, grizzly bears, other animals.

Behavior

• Active year-round maintaining tunnels in the winter; also dig shallow burrows.
• Typically breed from mid-February to November; up to four litters of 2–10 young per year.