Family: Muridae, Mice and Rats view all from this family
Description Grizzled brownish with scattered black hairs above; gray below, with hairs often white-tipped. Relatively long, bicolored tail. Feet pale. L 6 1/4–8 3/8" (157–214 mm); T 1 1/2–2 5/8" (39–68 mm); HF 3/4–1" (20–25 mm); Wt 1 1/2–3 1/2 oz (42–100 g).
Endangered Status The Amargosa Vole, a subspecies of the California Vole, is on the U.S. Endangered Species List. It is classified as endangered in California. Non-native plants and animals introduced into its environment have contributed to the decline of this creature. Exotic plants have replaced the plants it needs to survive and it has suffered from having to compete with the House Mouse and other non-natives. Cattle-grazing, water diversion, and other practices have degraded its Mojave Desert habitat, and today it remains in only a very small area.
Similar Species Montane Vole has dusky feet. Creeping Vole is not grizzled. Townsend’s Vole has dusky feet and blackish tail. Long-tailed Vole has longer tail. Heather Vole is smaller. White-footed Vole is usually smaller.
Breeding Major reproductive season is September–December, or several months after autumn rains; terminates with desiccation of vegetation, usually in June. In some years, there may be a minor reproductive period in autumn, with sporadic pregnancies the rest of the year. Several litters per year, each of 1–9 young; gestation 21 days. Young may be weaned as early as 14 days.
Habitat Grassy meadows from sea level to mountains.
Range Southwestern Oregon through much of California.
Discussion Like most voles, the California Vole is a burrower, but it also forms surface runways. This species feeds on grasses and other green vegetation when available; piles of cuttings are found along its runways. In winter, it eats mostly roots and other underground parts of plants. Like most other voles, this species considerably alters its habitat with its burrows, runways, and cuttings. Its main predators are hawks, owls, weasels, and snakes.
