Species MammalsNorthern Red-backed Vole

Northern Red-backed Vole

Myodes rutilus

UncommonMammal
Illustration of Northern Red-backed Vole (Myodes rutilus)

The Northern Red-backed Vole ranges across boreal Alaska and Canada and is a primary prey species for many boreal predators. It is active year-round under the snow in the subnivean space, where it constructs runways and nests insulated from Arctic cold. Its bright rufous back stripe makes it one of the most colorful of the boreal voles.

Habitat
Boreal forests, tundra, and brushy wetlands
Diet
Berries, seeds, fungi, and green vegetation
How common
Uncommon

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