Meadow Voles: Predator & Prey

The meadow vole (cicrotus pennsylvanicus) is a small rodent endemic to the Americas. Meadow voles are natural herbivores and do not eat animal matter. Their primary predators include foxes, bobcats and coyotes.

  1. Function

    • Meadow voles fill a critical ecological niche in their native habitat. They are a primary food source for several mammal species and birds of prey.

    Foxes

    • The red fox is the meadow vole's primary predator. In far-northern regions of the meadow vole's habitat, arctic foxes may also pose a threat.

    Bobcats and Lynxes

    • The lynx, and its close relative the bobcat, depend on the meadow vole for food.

    Secondary Predators

    • Coyotes inhabit a large portion of the meadow vole's native habitat. These wild dogs frequently hunt meadow voles, especially when larger prey is scarce. Invasive (non-native) predators may also threaten wild meadow vole populations. Domestic cats and dogs may attack and kill them.

    Healthy Population

    • Despite the wide range of predators, according to the IUCN Red List compiled by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the meadow vole does not face any serious risk of extinction and there are no major threats to the species.