European Water Vole

Arvicola amphibius

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Mammalia · Rodentia · Cricetidae

About

The European water vole or northern water vole is a semi-aquatic rodent. It is often informally called the water rat, though it only superficially resembles a true rat. Water voles have rounder noses than rats, deep brown fur, chubby faces and short fuzzy ears; unlike rats their tails, paws and ears are covered with hair.

Fun Fact

European water voles create elaborate burrow systems with underwater entrances, and they're the species that inspired 'Ratty' in Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows (despite being voles, not rats).

Quick Facts

Habitat

Riverbanks and wetlands

Diet

Herbivore

Lifespan

2-5 years

Threats

Dam Construction
Water Pollution

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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