The European water vole or northern water vole, Arvicola amphibius (formerly A. terrestris), is a semi-aquatic rodent. It is often informally called the water rat, although it only superficially resembles a true rat. Water voles have rounder noses than rats, deep brown fur, chubby faces and short fuzzy ears; unlike rats their tails, paws and ears are covered with hair.
In the wild, on average, water voles only live about five months. Maximum longevity in captivity is 2 and a half years.
The water vole is legally protected in the United Kingdom.
Read more about European Water Vole: Appearance, Taxonomy, Range, Habitat, Diet, Breeding, Behaviour, Conservation, Literary Appearances
Famous quotes containing the words european and/or water:
“Is thy home European or Asian,
O mystical monster marine?”
—Arthur Clement Hilton (1851–1877)
“No speed of wind or water rushing by
But you have speed far greater.”
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)