Fauna
Mammal

California Vole

Microtus californicus

Also known as California Meadow Mouse

California voles engineer intricate networks of surface runways hidden beneath dense grass mats, constantly clipping vegetation along these paths to ensure swift, unobstructed escape routes. Highly prolific breeders, their populations surge and crash in dramatic multi-year cycles that dictate the breeding success and movements of regional predators. When food dries up during Mediterranean summers, they retreat to subterranean burrow systems to gnaw on roots, bulbs, and subterranean plant crowns.

HerbivoreBurrowerMammal
California Vole reference1 / 7
(c) Don Loarie, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Don Loarie · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAnnual Grasses, Perennial Sedges, Wild Forbs
Predators
  • Barn Owl
  • Coyote
  • Gopher Snake
ThreatsHabitat loss from urbanization, intensive agriculture, and rodenticide exposure
HabitatsMeadows, grasslands, chaparral, oak savannas, and agricultural margins
Life spanUnder 1 year in the wild (rarely up to 18 months)
Classification
  1. FamilyCricetidae
  2. SpeciesMicrotus californicus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskModerate
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is moderate
Can deliver a sharp defensive bite and harbor flea-borne pathogens; observe from a distance.
Why it is dangerous
Harbors wild ectoparasites like fleas that can transmit plague or tularemia, and possesses sharp incisors capable of breaking human skin when handled.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Stout, compact body with a blunt muzzle, short ears nearly hidden in grizzled brown fur, and a tail much shorter than the body.
What to do
Do not touch, catch, or corner wild individuals; let them retreat undisturbed down their runway tunnels.
Responsible observation
  • Look for runways: Search the base of tall grasses for narrow, clipped tunnels winding through thatch.
  • Inspect owl pellets: Dissect regurgitated raptor pellets to find their diagnostic, blunt skull and rooted molars.
  • Avoid direct handling: Never attempt to catch or corner them, as cornered rodents bite readily.
Related species
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