Science & Nature • Mammals

Vole

Voles are small rodents in the subfamily Arvicolinae, closely related to lemmings and muskrats.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Voles are small rodents in the subfamily Arvicolinae, closely related to lemmings and muskrats. They are mouse-like in appearance but typically have a stockier body, shorter tail, blunt muzzle, and small ears. Voles are common across Canada, where they live in grasslands, forests, meadows, and other vegetated habitats, and are familiar to gardeners, farmers, and wildlife observers.

Classification

Voles are rodents in the subfamily Arvicolinae of the family Cricetidae. Different taxonomies recognize different numbers of species, but voles are consistently treated as a distinct group of small mouselike mammals.

Physical characteristics

Voles are generally stockier than mice and have blunt muzzles, small eyes and ears, and tails shorter than the body. These traits help distinguish them from similar rodents.

Habitat and range

Voles occupy a broad range of habitats across the Northern Hemisphere, including prairies, alpine meadows, forests, and tundra. They usually live on the ground and often use tunnels or burrows.

Diet and behaviour

Most voles feed mainly on plants, especially grasses, roots, bulbs, stems, and leaves. Some species also eat insects or fungi, and certain species can damage crops, lawns, or gardens.

Key facts

Voles are small, mouselike rodents with a stout body, short tail, and small ears.
They are classified in the subfamily Arvicolinae, alongside lemmings and muskrats.
Voles live in a wide range of habitats, including fields, meadows, forests, and tundra.
Their diet is mainly plant material, though some species also eat insects and fungi.
Some vole species are considered agricultural or garden pests because they feed on roots, bulbs, and stems.

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Canadian context

Voles are common across Canada, where they live in grasslands, forests, meadows, and other vegetated habitats and are familiar to gardeners, farmers, and wildlife observers.

Frequently asked questions

What is a vole?

A vole is a small rodent that looks like a mouse but usually has a stockier body, shorter tail, blunt nose, and small ears.

What is the difference between a vole and a mouse?

Voles are typically stockier, with shorter tails, smaller ears, and a blunter muzzle than mice. Mice usually have more pointed noses, larger ears, and longer tails.

How do I get rid of voles?

Vole control usually focuses on reducing cover, protecting plants, and using barriers or traps where allowed. In many settings, persistent infestations may require professional pest control.

What do voles eat?

Voles mainly eat plant material such as grasses, roots, bulbs, stems, and leaves. Some species also eat seeds, fungi, and occasional insects.

Where do voles live?

Voles live in grasslands, meadows, forests, tundra, and other vegetated habitats. They occur across much of North America, Europe, and Asia, with a small isolated population in coastal Libya.

References

Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/vole
Supports: Classification, physical traits, habitat range, diet, and general biology of voles.
Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vole
Supports: Definition describing voles as small rodents with stout bodies, blunt noses, and short ears.
Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/vole
Supports: Definition describing voles as small animals similar to mice with thick bodies, short tails, and small ears.
Oxford Learner's Dictionaries — https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/vole
Supports: Definition and habitat note for voles as mouse-like animals living in fields or near rivers.
Britannica Dictionary — https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/vole
Supports: Plain-language definition and note that voles can be harmful to crops and gardens.