Prairie Vole

Common Name
Prairie Vole
Order
Rodentia
Family
Cricetidae
Species Name
Microtus ochrogaster
Status
Lower Risk
States
Alabama
Arkansas
Colorado
Iowa
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
North Dakota
Nebraska
New Mexico
Ohio
Oklahoma
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin
West Virginia
Wyoming

Distribution

Northern and Central Great Plains - EC Alberta to S Manitoba, Canada; south to N Texas Panhandle, SW Oklahoma and Arkansas; eastwards to C Tennessee, westernmost West Virginia, and W Ohio; relictual populations in C Colorado, N New Mexico and coastal prai

Notes

Most active at dawn or dusk. Unlike most voles, forms monogamous pairs that share a nest; both parents care for young and defend their home range. Older offspring may remain with parents and help tend a new litter. Habitat is prairies, grasslands and agri