Mammals Active day and night

Bank Vole

Clethrionomys glareolus

iNaturalist Wikipedia

With its warm chestnut fur and surprisingly bold personality, the Bank Vole is the woodland's most charismatic climber. Often seen darting through leaf litter or scaling low branches, this energetic rodent is a favorite for backyard camera enthusiasts.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

Head and body length 80–120 mm (3.1–4.7 in); tail length 35–72 mm (1.4–2.8 in); weight 14–40 g (0.5–1.4 oz)

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Colors

Distinctive reddish-brown or chestnut fur on the back with greyish-white flanks and belly; tail is dark on top and pale underneath

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Key Features

Rich reddish-brown fur on the upper parts
Blunt, rounded muzzle and small ears
Tail is approximately half the length of the head and body
Active, quick movements with significant climbing ability

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active day and night

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Peak hours Variable cycles; often active every 2-4 hours throughout the day and night

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Season Year-round; most visible in late summer and autumn when populations peak

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Diet Primarily herbivorous, consuming seeds, fruits, berries, fungi, and leaves; occasionally eats insects, snails, or bird eggs.

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Habitat Deciduous woodland, hedgerows, scrubland, and mature gardens with plenty of ground cover.

public Geographic range

Where Does the Bank Vole Live?

The Bank Vole is native to a vast stretch of the Palearctic, spanning from Western Europe across to northwestern Asia and parts of Siberia. It is a widespread resident across the mainland of Great Britain, thriving in almost any area with sufficient woodland or hedge cover. While it was not originally native to Ireland, it was accidentally introduced in the mid-20th century and has since established a significant and expanding population across the south and southwest of the country.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

8 Countries

22M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

GB United Kingdom FR France DE Germany Russia PL Poland SE Sweden NO Norway Ireland

Elevation range

0 m1,000 m2,000 m4,000 m

Sea level – 2,400 m

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

Bank Voles are energetic and inquisitive rodents that, unlike many other vole species, are excellent climbers. They are frequently observed scurrying along low-hanging branches or moving through the undergrowth with surprising speed. While they are active throughout a 24-hour cycle, they follow a polyphasic rhythm, alternating short periods of intense activity with rest. This makes them one of the easier small mammals to spot during daylight hours, especially in the dappled light of a woodland floor.

Socially, Bank Voles are somewhat territorial, especially females during the breeding season. They live in shallow burrow systems often situated under leaf litter, tree roots, or logs. Their presence is often given away by small, neat holes in the ground or 'runways'—tiny cleared paths through the grass. Unlike the more timid Field Vole, Bank Voles are relatively bold and will often venture into the open if they feel there is enough cover nearby to retreat to in case of danger.

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Camera Tips

To capture the Bank Vole on camera, focus your efforts on 'edge' habitats where woodland meets a garden or clearing. Place your camera at ground level, ideally near a woodpile, stone wall, or thick hedge. Because these voles are so small, you should set your camera to its closest focusing distance or use a macro lens attachment if available. Position the lens about 30-50 cm (12-20 inches) away from a known 'runway' or a suspected burrow entrance under a log.

Baiting is highly effective for Bank Voles. A small heap of wild bird seed, crushed hazelnuts, or a smear of peanut butter on a rock will keep them in the frame long enough for a clear shot. Since they are fast movers, use a high-speed trigger setting and, if your camera allows, a burst mode of 3-5 photos per trigger. This ensures you catch them in a still moment rather than as a brown blur.

Lighting is key for capturing their chestnut color. If your camera has a 'no-glow' IR flash, it won't startle them at night, but some of the best footage will come during the day. Look for spots where sunlight filters through the canopy; the contrast can be tricky, so try to angle the camera to avoid direct glare. In autumn, leave some fallen leaves in the frame—Bank Voles love to forage through leaf litter, and the sound of rustling can sometimes help you time your observations.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Bank Vole.

Field Vole

Field Voles have shaggier, grey-brown fur and a much shorter tail (about 30% of body length).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Bank Voles are 'polyphasic,' meaning they are active during both day and night. They typically move in short bursts of activity every few hours, making them much more likely to be seen during the daytime than many other small rodents.

You can attract Bank Voles by providing plenty of natural cover like log piles, thick hedges, and long grass. They are also drawn to bird feeding stations, where they will scavenge fallen seeds, particularly sunflower hearts and crushed nuts.

Their diet is quite varied compared to other voles. They eat seeds, nuts, berries, and fungi, but will also consume green leaves, bark in the winter, and occasionally small invertebrates like insects and snails.

Yes, Bank Voles are very common in suburban gardens, provided there is enough 'structural' cover like bushes, shrubs, or compost heaps. They are less common in open, perfectly manicured lawns.

The easiest way to distinguish them is by color and tail length. Bank Voles have a rich reddish-brown back and a tail that is about half their body length. Field Voles are shaggier, greyish-brown, and have much shorter tails and hidden ears.

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