British Gnawing Mammals 



The burrow of the Water Vole is dug out of the 

 bank by the animal itself, and usually has an entrance 

 below the surface of the water. Thus, when disturbed, 

 the Vole can dive and enter its hidden doorway, and 

 thus reach its nest at the far end of the burrow. It 

 is an adept swimmer, yet its feet are not webbed, and 

 when swimming the animal largely employs its hind- 

 legs as propellers. 



Unlike Rats, Water Voles are slow breeders. They 

 may have three or four litters annually, but these are 

 generally limited to two or three young ones, although 

 seven or eight are occasionally recorded. To put down 

 five as the average would doubtless be near the mark. 



While these Water Voles are found solely about the 

 borders of streams and waterways, it has to be said 

 that the Common Brown or Grey Rat is much given to 

 burrowing in similar localities. Doubtless the presence 

 of the latter in some measure accounts for the impres- 

 sion often formed that a black rodent upon a bank-side 

 must be the almost extinct species referred to. It is 

 not so, however, but an entirely different animal — 

 viz., the Water Vole. 



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