Mammals of North Carolina:
their Distribution and Abundance
Rock Vole - Microtus chrotorrhinus
Cricetidae Members:
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Distribution In NC, restricted to the middle and higher elevations of the mountains, typically over 3,800 feet. As a result, it may well be absent from the southwesternmost three counties (Graham, Clay, and Cherokee) in the state. It might also be absent in several other mountain counties.

Fairly restricted range, only from southeastern Canada south to the Appalachians, to southern NC. Generally absent in the United States except in the mountains.
Abundance Uncommon within the higher portions of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but very rare to rare, and local, away from this park. Suspected of being in moderate decline, as there are very few recent records; sadly, data from this national park have been somewhat "guarded" in recent decades, and thus we know very little about its true status currently in NC. As a result of a suspected decline, this website suggests a new State Rank of S2? (rank in brackets below). The species is State-listed as Special Concern.
Seasonal Occurrence Probably active all-year, but this is only speculation.
Habitat Mainly found in forested areas with many rocks -- boulderfields and talus slopes in the spruce-fir zone are favored. Other cool forests where there are moss-covered rocks are also inhabited. The species can also be found in rocky areas in pastures and weedy fields, as long as they are at high elevations.
Behavior Probably most active at night, but likely has some activity during the day. They are seldom seen far from rocks, where they tunnel in crevices or beneath the rocks.
Comments This is one of our poorer-known rodents. However, it might still be at least locally numerous within the national park. Further declines are expected with climate change. The population that occurs in the southern Appalachians -- NC and TN north to WV -- is a different subspecies (M. chrotorrhinus carolinensis) from that occurring from northeastern PA northward.
Origin Native
NC List Official
State Rank S3 [S2?]
State Status SC
Global Rank G5
Federal Status
subspecies Microtus chrotorrhinus carolinensis
other_comName Yellow-nosed Vole
synonym
NC Map
Map depicts all counties with a report (transient or resident) for the species.
Click on county for list of all database records for species in that county.