Their eyes are small, and ears are inconspicuous. Pine voles produce several litters of young per year, usually from March to November. Litters average about 3 offspring each. The young are ready to breed in 2 or 3 months. Pine voles can have a high survival rate because their underground habits help protect them from predators.
Family units maintain year-round exclusive territories.
In many cases the damage from pine voles goes unnoticed until the owner discovers the decline or death of a particular plant. In vegetable gardens entire plants may be pulled partially or entirely underground. Wilted plants which have had their roots chewed is another common observation. In flower and bulb gardens, plants may fail to grow in the spring after underground tubers, roots and bulbs have been consumed by pine voles. The plant can actually be pulled out of the soil very easily, or it may fall or lean over.