Southern Red-backed Vole
Myodes gapperi
The southern red-backed vole is a small forest rodent of cool, moist woodlands across much of northern North America, often living among moss, logs, roots, and leaf litter. It feeds mainly on fungi, seeds, berries, green plants, and occasional invertebrates, playing an important role in spreading fungal spores through the forest floor. Rather than relying on open speed, it uses runways, cover, and shallow burrows to avoid owls, foxes, mustelids, and snakes. Its chestnut-red back and grayish sides help separate it from many other woodland voles.
- Type
- Burrow
- Conservation status
- LC
Growth chain
- ?
- Southern Red-backed Vole