The Muskrat or Musquash
(Ondatra zibethicus), the only species in genus Ondatra, is a
large aquatic rodent native to North America, and introduced in
parts of Europe. Adult body length is usually between 25-40cm
long, with a strong, laterally compressed tail 20-25cm long. The
body is covered in thick, brown waterproof fur; the underparts
are paler. They have partially webbed hind feet and small able
hand-like front feet. The weight is up to 1700g, about four times
the weight of a Brown Rat. They live in wetlands: ponds, lakes,
marshes and river banks, and are very good swimmers, using their
tail for propulsion in the water. They are found in Alaska, Canada,
the United States and northern Mexico. Extensive burrow systems
are dug in the ground adjacent to the water with an underwater
entrance. In marshes, lodges are constructed from cattails and
mud. They also build feeding platforms in wetlands. Muskrats help
maintain open areas in marshes, which helps to provide habitat
for aquatic birds.
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These animals
are most active at night or near dawn and dusk. They feed on cattails
and other aquatic vegetation, freshwater mussels, frogs, crayfish
and small turtles. Their predators include mink, foxes, coyotes,
wolves, lynx and large owls. They are also trapped for their fur.
The male muskrat marks his territory with a strong musky secretion
which gives this animal its name. Females have 2 to 3 litters
of 6 to 8 young. Muskrat populations appear to go through a regular
pattern of rise and dramatic decline spread over a 6 to 10 year
period. While much wetland habitat has been eliminated due to
human activity, new muskrat habitat has been created by the construction
of canals or irrigation channels and the muskrat remains common
and wide-spread.
Images 1 Through 3 Are From The US Fish & Wildlife Service
Images Number 4 Is From The N.R.C.S.
Images 5 Through 10 Are From The National Parks Service
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