Predator Vs. Prey: Prairie Vole vs. Badger

Prairie Vole

Built for Burrowing

Strong legs and long claws can dig faster than burrowing prey.

Tunnel Travelers

Voles make maze-like runways above and below ground to find food, escape predators, and connect their burrows. They also run fast, up to 6 miles per hour

Badger

Sniffs for Supper

A keen sense of smell helps find prey in the dark.

What Big Teeth!

The better to catch and eat you with, my dear!

…and the winner is…

The badger wins. Single voles don’t often escape fast-digging badgers, but mating voles can produce up to 12 litters a year, which helps their big colonies last over time.