Microtus Nivalis

a mammal of the genus Microtus of the order Rodentia. The body length reaches 13 cm; the length of the tail is approximately half that of the body. The long, thick fur is light or dark gray in color. These meadow mice are found in mountains in Europe (except in the north) and Southwest Asia. They generally inhabit rock streams and other rocky areas, frequently near water. The mammals store and dry grass for winter. They are rare everywhere. Some zoologists classify Microtus nivalis and two related species into the separate genus Chionomys.