What is a "water vole"?

The water vole, also known as the Eurasian water vole or simply vole, is a small mammal that is semi-aquatic and found in various parts of Europe and Asia. It is known for its plump appearance, with a stocky body, short legs, and a short tail. Water voles have dense fur that is usually brown or gray in color, and they have small, rounded ears and black eyes. They are well adapted for life in and around water, with a water-repellent coat and specialized limbs for swimming and burrowing. Water voles are herbivores, feeding on a variety of plant materials such as grasses, sedges, and other aquatic vegetation. They are known for their burrowing behavior, creating complex networks of burrows along riverbanks, lakeshores, and other wetland habitats.