Mammal · GBIF taxon 5706760
Southern Red-backed Vole
Myodes gapperiAlso known as Gapper's Red-backed Vole, Boreal Red-backed Vole
Southern red-backed voles are nimble forest dwellers recognized by the prominent reddish-brown stripe running along their spine. They inhabit cool, damp coniferous and mixed forests across northern North America, where they forage extensively on lichens, subterranean fungi, and berries. Active year-round throughout both day and night, these small rodents construct cozy nests under decaying logs and root systems.
MammalForest DwellerRodent
Licensed referenceGordon Johnston / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Fungi
- Seeds and berries
- Roots and green shoots
Predators
- Owls
- Martens and weasels
- Hawks
ThreatsDeforestation, forest fragmentation, and severe wildfires
HabitatsCool coniferous and mixed forests, mossy bogs, and damp woodlands
Life span1–1.5 years in the wild
Classification
- FamilyCricetidae
- SpeciesMyodes gapperi
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- May bite defensively if handled; observe quietly from a short distance.
Responsible observation
- Patience in mossy woods: Watch quietly around fallen rotting logs and moss beds during early morning or dusk.
- Spotting burrows: Check near decaying wood and root networks where small entrances indicate underground pathways.
- Avoid disturbance: Refrain from turning over logs, which destroys nesting sites and exposes burrows.
Competitor Needsmoreritalin (talk) / CC BY 3.0 · cc-by
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Close Relative Colin Canterbury/USFWS / Public domain · cc0
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