Species breakdown:

The Meadow vole is one of the larger of the four species, having a maximum weight of 66 g and the body length ranging from 95 - 180 mm. Meadow voles will have thick coarse fur that appears dark brown on their backside and a creamy white belly. The ears will be mostly concealed by fur and not easily visible. Out of the four species, they have the longest tail that is normally over 40mm. A key distinguishing characteristic they possess is on the soles of their feet they will have 6 pads while the Prairie vole will only have 5. The Meadow vole can be found occupying meadows, roadsides, and areas with dense grass vegetation.

The Prairie vole is slightly smaller than the Meadow vole, weighing a maximum of 55 - 60 g and the body length ranges from 100-165 mm. Their fur is a grizzled gray-brown color and an orange-yellow belly. Unlike meadow voles, their ears are slightly more visible and not as concealed beneath the fur. The tail is short and is bi-colored with a tufted tip. As previously stated they have 5 pads on the soles of their feet. Both the Meadow and Prairie vole are often found in grassy like habitat. Their habitat preference is why they are often the culprits who cause agricultural damage to farm fields.

Woodland voles are also commonly called pine voles. A woodland max weight is around 46g and a total body length around 82- 130 mm. Their fur color ranges from brown to a reddish-brown color and they have been noted to have short velvety fur. Their tail is the shortest out of the four voles and has a naked bi-color appearance. The Woodland vole prefers deciduous or pine forest habitats with a thick leaf layer covering.

Lastly, the most unique species of voles in Kentucky is the Southern Red-Backed vole. They are the smallest of the four species. Reaching a maximum weight of 36g and a length ranging from 82-112mm. As the name suggests, the back and top of head are a reddish color. The sides of the body will be gray yellow color that drastically contrasts with the back. Contradictorily to the other vole species, this vole does not establish an underground burrow system.