A PRAIRIE VOLE COMPANION

Early on in a prairie vole’s relationship, they may “tend” to each other 15-30 times per day.  They groom each other and are generally the annoyingly mushy couple that sicken other prairie moles.  Once this relationship has been consummated, the male will change from a mild-mannered gentleman to a Dr. Hyde; attacking any other prairie vole that is not his mate.  This personality change is attributed to an increase in vasopressin and is thought to contribute to their monogamous tendencies.