Common Name
North American Water Vole
Order
Rodentia
Family
Cricetidae
Species Name
Microtus richardsoni
Status
Lower Risk
States
Idaho
Montana
Oregon
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
Distribution
Wet subalpine and alpine meadows of Rocky Mountains, from S British Columbia and Alberta, Canada, to W Wyoming and C Utah; and of Cascade Mountains, from SW British Columbia south through WC Oregon
Notes
Mainly nocturnal; spends more than half the year in tunnels under snow. Swims well on or below the surface and can swim against the current. Lives along streams and ponds through alpine and subalpine meadows; elevation 2,300-10,500 ft, usually above 5,000