The 'Long-tailed Vole' (''Microtus longicaudus'') is a small
vole found in western
North America. The 'Coronation Island Vole', once considered to be a separate species, is now believed to be a subspecies.
They have short ears and a long tail. Their fur is grey brown with light grey underparts. They are 18 cm long with an 8 cm tail and weigh about 50 g.
These animals are found in alpine meadows and shrubby areas, often near streams, from
Alaska to
California. They feed on green plants in summer and roots and bark in winter, when they burrow under the snow. Predators include
owls and
mustelids.
The female vole has 1 to 3 litters of 4 to 8 young.
They are active year-round, usually during the day.
References
★