Western Red-Backed Vole

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Contents 1 Description 2 Similar Species 3 Breeding 4 Sign 5 Habitat

[edit] Description

Chestnut brown, or brown mixed with considerable black; gradually lightening on sides and grading into buffy-gray belly. Indistint reddish stripe on back. Bicolered tail about half as long as head and body. Length: 2.5-5.65inch (65-137mm). H: 0.75-0.87inch (18-21mm).

[edit] Similar Species

Closely related Southern Red-backed Vole occurs to the north and east of the range of this species, and is redder, with more sharply bicolored tail. Meadow voles (Microtus species) lack reddish coloration. Red Tree Vole has much longer tail.

[edit] Breeding

Breeds February-November on slopes of Cascade Range in north Oregon, year-round west of Cascade; 2-7 young per litter; gestation about 18 days.

[edit] Sign

Piece of green vegetation among rocks.

[edit] Habitat

Mostly coniferous forests.