Why might a location that appeared free of voles in late winter show heavy damage by early summer?
Answer
Mild winters with deep snow provide insulation and protection, leading to high survival rates
Vole populations are highly sensitive to winter weather conditions. A mild winter, particularly one with a deep and consistent snowpack, creates an ideal environment for survival. The snow acts as an insulating blanket, protecting the voles from freezing temperatures and predators while allowing them to continue feeding throughout the winter months. This high over-winter survival rate can result in a sudden and dramatic increase in the population by spring, leading to visible damage in areas that previously appeared to be free of activity.
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