Red-backed Vole (Clethrionomys gapperi)

Red-backed voles are small mouse sized rodents and are rarely seen. Keep your eyes open at Jewel Cave National monument, you may see one scampering through the underbrush.

NPS photo

 

Red-backed voles are one of the critical members of the food chain at Jewel Cave National Monument.

NPS photo

Red-Backed Vole
Clethrionomys gapperi

• Red -backed voles are named for the reddish stripe that runs from forehead to tail.
• One of many species of vole at Jewel Cave National Monument, but the most prevalent.

Size and description

• Aside from their red back, these voles are a grayish brown with a light gray belly.
• Measuring 5-7 inches in total length, including tail, these rodents are some of the smallest in the area.
• Weight generally ranges from .5-1 ounce.
• Fur color varies throughout the year, but summer pelage is generally darker than the winter coat.

Behavior

• Generally preferring moist forest habitat, red-backed voles make their home among downed trees stumps, exposed tree roots and various other forms of leaf litter.
• In addition to moist forested area, these voles will live in grassy meadows, marshes, and drier woodland areas if enough ground cover is available.
• Nests are shaped like a globe and constructed of finely chewed and interwoven grass and stems.
• Females can have several litters a year and can breed as young as 2 months old.
• Males typically do not breed until they are nearly one year old.
• Males and females may live together, however the male does not help with rearing of young.
• Animals of the same sex are intolerant of each other and will fight upon interaction.
• If a female is interrupted while nesting, she may relocate, abandon or even eat her young.

Diet

• In summer red-backed voles may eat fungi and fruit, while in winter they may eat seeds, roots, and inner tree bark.

Interactions with other animals

• Life isn’t easy when you’re as small as a vole. At Jewel Cave National Monument red-backed voles are consumed by foxes, coyotes, weasels, hawks, owls, falcons and snakes.