When all you've seen is a flash of brown fur, it can be hard to know whether it was a water vole or rat. Though the two species tend to live in different habitats, there are areas where they overlap, potentially leading to cases of mistaken identity. So how do you tell rats and water voles apart?

Voles are small rodents that are relatives of lemmings and hamsters, but with a stouter body; a longer, hairy tail; a slightly rounder head; smaller eyes and ears; and differently formed molars (high-crowned with angular cusps instead of low-crowned with rounded cusps). They are sometimes known as meadow mice or field mice.

Identifying the Key Differences: rat vs vole Physical Characteristics. Voles, commonly referred to as field mice, exhibit a stouter body with a shorter tail, smaller eyes, and a less prominent, rounded snout compared to rats. They are typically covered in dense, brown or grey fur.

Oct 3, 2024 · Voles drive gardeners and homeowners crazy! You'll know voles by the snakelike tunnels all over your lawn. Here's advice on how to identify, prevent, and control your vole population.

Have you ever seen a small furry body swimming along, and not been sure if it's a water vole or a rat? This quick guide highlights the key differences between the species.

What does a vole look like compared to a rat? Blunter, rounder noses, compact plump bodies, smaller hidden ears and shorter furry tails are all distinctive to the water vole - and unlike rats, their tails, paws and ears are fully covered in fur.

Not sure if your property has a mouse, rat, or vole problem? Below, we'll provide some rodent identification tips to help you determine which type of infestation your home has. Mice are one of the most common types of household pests, as they survive well in …

Aug 29, 2024 · Water voles (pictured left) and brown rats (pictured right) are both strong swimmers. However, water voles are identified by their dive. With a distinctive 'plop' sound, water voles dive into the water when alarmed.

Mar 4, 2024 · Both rats and water voles are good swimmers, but unlike rats, water voles will dive into the water if they are alarmed. If you spot a water vole or rat swimming, one way to tell the difference is by their body length.

Voles, rats, and mice are all small rodents that can often be found in and around human habitats. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are key differences between these animals that can help you identify which one you may be dealing with.