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Photo: G. Bradley |
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UK
Safari Tip:
Get help identifying voles, mice, shrews and other land mammals with a
fully illustrated fold-out chart - click
here
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Latin name: Arvicola terrestris
Size: The water vole is the largest British vole, growing to around 30cms in length from head to end of tail. The tail is about 10cms long.
Distribution: Quite rare, but found in England, Scotland and Wales.
Months seen: All year round.
Habitat: Found by ponds, lakes, canals and slow running streams and rivers.
Food: Feeds on plants and grasses which grow on, or near the water.
Special features: The name "vole" comes from the Norwegian word 'voll', which means 'field', which is their normal habitat. The water vole is best known to English speaking children (and adults) as the famous 'Ratty' from the classic story 'The Wind in the Willows' by Kenneth
Grahame.
Although it is sometimes called the water rat, it has a much more rounded snout than a rat, smaller ears, and a shorter tail.
Water voles live in burrows in the banks beside water, and are active during the daytime.
UK Safari Mammal Section
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