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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 |
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