Nature is surprising. And the more you explore and learn about the critters around us and their habitats, the more amazing the world seems!
The prairie vole is inconspicuous, but leads a fascinating life.
The prairie vole is a small, mouse-like animal that is only about 5 inches long and can be found in prairies and old fields in the southwest corner of Michigan. They prefer thick, grassy vegetation where they create highways under the grass. These networks of “roads” protect them from predators, give them access to multiple living chambers, and allow them to travel around their home territory gathering seeds, acorns, fruit, grains, and forbs to eat. They will cache (or store) food in underground chambers that can hold up to 4 liters of food – that’s almost a gallon of food for a critter only 5 inches long!
What’s even more surprising is prairie voles’ complex social structure. Many male and female prairie voles pair up for life. Yes, they are monogamous for their entire life, even if they live only one to two years. These pairs will raise pups together, groom each other and cuddle. If one of the partners dies, the other stays alone for the rest of its life.
Those voles that don’t pair up with mates will live in communal groups. In these groups, usually the oldest female will be the only one who reproduces. This dominant female will emit pheromones to inhibit the other females’ reproductive activity – that is so she’ll be the only one having pups. These communal groups and the mated pairs will often come together in winter, and then separate again during the breeding season in the spring through fall.
This amazing little animal is endangered in Michigan and needs protection and conservation. It is one piece of Michigan’s natural history story. Learn more about Michigan natural story – you’ll be amazed at what you may discover.
Nature is surprising. And the more you explore and learn about the critters around us and their habitats, the more amazing the world seems!
The prairie vole is a small, mouse-like animal that is only about 5 inches long and can be found in prairies and old fields in the southwest corner of Michigan. They prefer thick, grassy vegetation where they create highways under the grass. These networks of “roads” protect them from predators, give them access to multiple living chambers, and allow them to travel around their home territory gathering seeds, acorns, fruit, grains, and forbs to eat. They will cache (or store) food in underground chambers that can hold up to 4 liters of food – that’s almost a gallon of food for a critter only 5 inches long!
