They also burrow up through the snow to reach grass seed heads using various levels within the snow pack. Immediately after the snow melts, their runways often become visible on the ground. Breeding starts during late winter and continues until August. The gestation period is about 21 days, and the 4-8 young are born blind and naked. The young are weaned at 2 weeks and reach maturity at 3-6 weeks when they themselves may start breeding.
Voles live about one year.
The red-backed voles are mostly solitary or live in small family groups. They live in a variety of habitats from upland forests to grass meadows. They do not build runways but will use those built by Microtus voles, if they live in the same area. Meadow voles may inhibit red-backed voles from colonizing grassland habitats during the breeding season. Red-backed voles start breeding in late winter and continue until August.