Voles

Voles, often mistaken for mice due to their similar appearance, are small rodents belonging to the genus Microtus. They are characterized by their stocky bodies, short tails, and small eyes and ears. Voles are herbivores, primarily feeding on grasses, roots, seeds, and other vegetation, and are known to cause damage to crops and gardens by gnawing on plant roots and stems. These rodents are prolific breeders, with some species capable of producing multiple litters per year, leading to population explosions under favorable conditions. Voles play important roles in ecosystems as prey for various predators, including owls, hawks, foxes, and snakes, contributing to the balance of local wildlife populations.