The external appearance of the Western Heather Vole is so like that of the Meadow Vole that it is difficult to visually separate the two species. True identification is best determined by noting differences in their teeth. Because of the similar outward appearance, the species was not identified as such until 1889.
The Western Heather Vole ranges from Labrador into the Yukon and south in the western mountains to northern New Mexico. In Canada, it is absent from the Maritime Provinces, southern Quebec and Ontario and the grassland region of the Prairie Provinces. It is also missing from northwestern B.C. and the Yukon and most of the tundra region.
It is widespread in Alberta but absent from the grasslands and apparently from the aspen parkland region. It appears to be most abundant in the foothills and mountains, occurring from sea level to treeline at about 2200 m (7200 ft). Most specimens have been collected in dry open spruce and pine forests, usually near water.
Average adult male measurements are: total length, 138 mm (5.5 in); tail, 33 mm (1.25 in); weight, 25 to 40 g (.875 to 1.4 oz).
The behavior of this species differs somewhat from the Meadow Vole. It is most active during the twilight hours. It is a docile creature, never attempting to bite and seeming indifferent to being captured and kept in captivity. It is quite solitary during the summer, except during brief contacts in the breeding season. In winter the family groups gather in communal nests.
The summer nest of moss, lichens, dried grass and leaves is located a few inches below ground, under a root, log or bush. The winter nest is a round structure of twigs and lichens lined with grass, about 15 cm (6 in) in diameter, placed on the surface, under a shrub or wedged between rocks.
In summer, they feed on green foliage and berries of dwarf birch, willows, bearberry, bog-rosemary, blueberry, mountain cranberry, crowberry, cloudberry, cinquefoil, soapberry and fireweed. To a lesser degree, they use lichens, Labrador tea and licorice-root, but avoid grasses and sedges. They drag the cut foliage back to their burrow entrance where they can feed in greater safety.
The heather vole prepares for winter by collecting and caching quantities of twigs of its favourite foods. In winter it also eats the bark and buds of many of these same shrubs.
The reproductive cycle extends from May to August. Gestation lasts for 19 to 24 days, culminating in the birth of two to eight (average five) naked, blind and deaf young. They crawl about on the eighth day and walk by the eleventh day. Their eyes open on day14 and weaning begins on day 17. They emerge from their nest on day 21 and are soon on their own. Young females are sexually mature at four to six weeks and bear their first young just three weeks later. Young males are not mature until the following spring.
Calgary sightings: This species has been frequently collected along the Elbow River, beginning just 40 km (25 mi) west of Calgary. However, because of its nocturnal habits, identifying it in the field will be a real challenge.
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YVES DANSEREAU
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