The European water vole or northern water vole, Arvicola amphibius (formerly A. terrestris), is a semi-aquatic rodent. It is often informally called the water rat, although it only superficially resembles a true rat. Water voles have rounder noses than rats, deep brown fur, chubby faces and short fuzzy ears; unlike rats their tails, paws and ears are covered with hair.
In the wild, on average, water voles only live about five months. Maximum longevity in captivity is 2 and a half years.
The water vole is legally protected in the United Kingdom.
Read more about European Water Vole: Appearance, Taxonomy, Range, Habitat, Diet, Breeding, Behaviour, Conservation, Literary Appearances
Famous quotes containing the words european and/or water:
“The time to enjoy a European tour is about three weeks after you unpack.”
—George Ade (1866–1944)
“We wished our two souls
might return like gulls
to the rock. In the end,
the water was too cold for us.”
—Robert Lowell (1917–1977)