The Water Vole, Microtus richardsoni, is the largest North American vole. It is found in the northwestern United States and southern parts of western Canada. This animal has been historically considered a member of genus Arvicola, but molecular evidence demonstrates that it is more closely related to North American Microtus species.
These animals have gray-brown or red-brown fur with gray underparts. Their large hind feet help make them excellent swimmers. They are 25 centimetres (10 in) long, with an 8 centimetres (3 in) tail, and weigh about 110 grams (3.9 oz).
They are found in alpine or semi-alpine meadows near water. They feed on grasses, leaves, roots and seeds, also eating small invertebrates. They dig burrows that are connected to water sources. They live under the snow during the winter.
The water vole is also the fastest swimming land rodent
Female voles have two litters of two to eight young in a year.
They are active year-round. Their burrows often have entrances at the water's edge or under water. They are often found in colonies.
Famous quotes containing the word water:
“With a tongue like a razor he will kiss,
the mother, the child,
and we three will color the stars black
in memory of his mother
who kept him chained to the food tree
or turned him on and off like a water faucet....”
—Anne Sexton (1928–1974)