They occupy a variety of habitats but are most abundant along streams. Voles eat a variety of grasses, forbs and agricultural Crops. They also eat bark on trees and shrubs, especially during fall and winter. Biology, Reproduction and Behavior Voles are active day and night throughout the year and do not hibernate. They usually live between 2 and 16 months.
Voles construct many surface runways and underground tunnels with numerous burrow entrances.
A single burrow may contain several adults and young. Population densities of voles vary from species to species. Large population fluctuations that range from 14 to 500 voles per acre are common. Their numbers generally peak every three to five years. Population is influenced by dispersal, food quality, climate, predation, physiological stress, and genetics.