Meadow Vole Tunnels
The melting snow has revealed a labyrinth of vole tunnels, which these little rodents excavate in the snow next to the ground in what is referred to as the subnivean layer. The tunnels are advantageous in several ways – they provide protection from the wind and cold, and keep the voles hidden from predators. Voles stay in these tunnels as long as the snow is deep enough, finding food in the form of seeds as they dig through the snow. Every once in a while you’ll find a dining area (close-up photo) where seeds, in this case, white ash, have been eaten. If you look closely enough you’ll also see some vole scat.
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