Common Name
California Vole
Order
Rodentia
Family
Cricetidae
Species Name
Microtus californicus
Status
U.S. ESA - Endangered; IUCN - Vulnerable as M. c. mohavensis and M. c. scirpensis, Data Deficient as M. c. stephensi, Lower Risk (nt) as M. c. vallicola, otherwise Lower Risk (lc)
States
California
Oregon
Distribution
Oak woodlands and grasslands of Pacific coast, from SW Oregon through California, to N Baja California Norte, Mexico
Notes
Mainly diurnal; most active in the early morning. Eats green vegetation when available; roots and seeds during dry summer months. Spends most time underground. Makes a nest of shredded grass in the burrow or under a log. Habitat is grassy fields, meadows,