what are voles

Voles are small rodents that are relatives of lemmings and hamsters, but with a stouter body, a longer, hairy tail, a slightly rounder head, smaller eyes and ears, and differently formed molars. They are sometimes known as meadow mice or field mice. There are approximately 155 different vole species. Voles are small rodents that grow to 8–23 cm (3–9 in), depending on the species. Females can have five to ten litters per year, though with an average lifespan of three months and requiring one month to adulthood, two litters is the norm. Voles thrive on small plants yet, like shrews, they will eat dead animals and, like mice and rats, they can live on almost any nut or fruit. Voles target plants more than most other small animals, making their presence evident. They readily girdle small trees and ground cover much like a porcupine. This girdling can easily kill young plants and is not healthy for trees and other shrubs. Voles often eat succulent root systems and burrow under plants and eat away until the plant is dead. Bulbs are another favorite target for voles.