Western Heather Vole
Phenacomys intermedius
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Rodentia · Cricetidae
About
The western heather vole is a small vole found in western North America. Until recently, the eastern heather vole was considered to be a subspecies. They have short ears with stiff orange hair inside and a short thin tail which is paler underneath. Their long soft fur is brownish with silver grey underparts. They are roughly 14 cm (5.5 in) long with a tail length shorter than one-half their body length, approximately 50 mm (2.0 in). They weigh about 40 g (1.4 oz).
Fun Fact
Until recently, the eastern heather vole (P.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found in alpine meadows, open shrubby areas, dry forests with shrubs below to provide cover and tundra regions, usually near water, in British Columbia, the Yukon and the western United States.
Diet
Feed on plant leaves and berries in summer and plant bark and buds in winter, also seeds and fungi.
Lifespan
4 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance