By Lindsay Rogers, Outdoor
Education Specialist
Found across Nebraska in all types of prairie,
fencerows and fallow fields, the prairie vole is in
the Cricetidae family which includes mice, rats
and lemmings. The prairie vole is similar to the
meadow vole with the only noticeable difference
being the longer tail on the prairie vole.
They eat mainly seeds, grasses and grain,
although they may occasionally feed on insects
when available. Prairie voles are crepuscular,
meaning they are active mainly at dawn and
dusk but daytime activity increases in the winter
months.
Predators include hawks, owls, snakes, foxes
and other medium-sized mammals. As protection
from predators, prairie voles often create
elaborate grass tunnels. ■
6 NEBRASKAland • MAY 2015
A Mammal Brief
Prairie Vole
NGPC
PHOTO
LIBRARY
