Short-tailed Vole
Footprint Images
Description
Grey-brown above, cream-grey below - more even than Bank Vole. Tail less than 40% of body length, tail also much shorter than that of Bank Vole. Ears are almost completely covered by fur, whereas those of bank vole are more prominent. The eyes are relatively smaller than those of Bank Vole.
Footprint Description
Distribution
Common in mainland Britain, but absent from Scottish islands. They are also absent from Ireland.
Footprint Size
Habitat
Rough ungrazed grassland, hedgerows, wherever grass growth is available.
Diet
Behaviour
Taxonomy
Images of Tracks & Signs
Male
Primary Image
Reproduction
Between March and December, the Short-tailed Vole may have as many as four to five litters containing 4-6 young. The young females are ready to mate themselves at 6 weeks.
Scientific Name
Microtus agrestis
Female
Height
Predators
Weasels, stoats, foxes, birds of prey - particularly Kestrels and Owls (the Short-tailed Vole is the main source of food for barn owls).
Tracks & Signs Description
Juvenile
Length
Body length: 10-12cm
Weight
Speed
Droppings Images
Life Span
Up to 2 years
Also Known As
Field Vole, Short-tailed Field Vole
Droppings Description
Status
Short-tailed Voles are common and widespread throughout much of the British Isles, but are absent from Northern Ireland.
Did You Know?
Short-tailed Voles can reach plague proportions with as many as 500 per acre.