Vole

rodent · meadow mouse · tiny and tough

Sturdy small rodents. Voles are relatives of lemmings and hamsters, but they have stockier, rounder bodies than typical mice. They're built more like little tanks than sleek runners.

Special chewing teeth. Voles have molars that are shaped differently from other rodents. These unique teeth help them nibble through plants and seeds in meadows and fields.

Tiny eyes and ears. Unlike mice, voles have smaller eyes and ears. Their smaller senses reflect how they spend most of their time tunneling underground or in tall grass rather than exploring open spaces.

Meadow life. Voles are sometimes called meadow mice or field mice because they love living in grasslands and open fields. They scurry through tunnels they make in the soil, munching on plants and seeds.

Food for predators. Voles are important prey animals for many hunters like owls, foxes, and snakes. Their huge numbers in meadows make them a key food source for many predators.