While I may not be out in the garden during this time of year, the frozen landscape of Illinois in January still has plenty of life. In fact, there is one animal that toils in the garden all winter, the vole.
Voles are small mouse-like rodents. The easiest way to distinguish them from a mouse is their short, stubby tail. Similar to mice, voles can be found around human habitation, but unlike mice, they are not typically trying to get in our homes.
There are three species of voles found in Illinois: the meadow vole, prairie vole, and woodland vole. The meadow vole is present in the northern half of Illinois, while the other two species can be found throughout. If you had not already guessed, the species' names are indicative of the habitats in which they are found naturally. Additionally, both the meadow and woodland vole are the most likely to be encountered in a home landscape.
While voles are active all year long, it is in the winter when they seem to get into the most mischief. During the warm growing season, food supply is ample, and voles often roam about unnoticed. However, in the winter, as forage becomes scarce, voles will seek out food that may lead to damage to our lawns, perennials, and small woody plants.
A vole's diet is adaptable depending on available food, but they are primarily herbivores (plant eaters). Voles also act as granivores (seed eaters) and, on occasion, will eat insects, snails, or other small animals when vegetation is scarce.
