The Eastern Heather Vole, Phenacomys ungava, is a small North American vole. Until recently, this species was considered to belong to the same species as the Western Heather Vole, Phenacomys intermedius. It is also called the Ungava Vole.
These animals are similar in appearance to the Meadow Vole. They have short ears and a short thin tail which is paler underneath. Their long soft fur is brownish with light underparts. They are 14 cm long with a 3.5 cm tail and weigh about 35 g.
They are found in coniferous forests and taiga regions, usually near water, across Canada and a few areas in the United States near the Great Lakes. In summer, they live in underground burrows and, in winter, they tunnel under the snow. They store food for later use year-round.
They feed on plant leaves and berries, especially blueberries, in summer and bark and buds of willows and shrubs in winter. Predators include owls, hawks and carnivorous mammals.
The female vole has 2 or 3 litters of 2 to 9 young in a nest made from grasses.
They are active year-round, mainly near dusk or at night.
These animals are rarely encountered or trapped.
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—Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751–1816)
“Yet know I how the heather looks”
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