Muskrat - Photos by Bruce Dayton - Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)

ORDER: Rodentia (Rodents)
FAMILY: Muridae (Rats, Mice, Voles and Lemmings)
SPECIES: Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)

Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)
The Muskrat is a large aquatic rodent native to North America. Because their fur has commercial importance, they have been introduced into Europe, Japan, South America, Scandinavia, and Russia. There are now thriving populations in some places where they were introduced. - Muskrat populations appear to go through a regular pattern of rise and dramatic decline spread over a 6 to 10 year period - Muskrats help maintain open areas in marshes, which helps to provide habitat for aquatic birds. Muskrat houses make good nesting platforms for ducks and geese. - Mink and otter are their main predators. When on land, muskrats are vulnerable to foxes, coyotes and raccoons. While swimming they are vulnerable to raptors, such as eagles, ospreys and owls. - Maximum lifespan is somewhere about 5 years. - Also known as: Mudcat, Muskbeaver, Musquash, Swamp Bunny - The muskrat leads all North American wild furbearers in the number of animals caught and total pelt value. The muskrat remains common and wide-spread. -
SIZE	The adult body length of a muskrat is usually between 25-40 cm (10-16 inches) long, with a strong tail 20-25 cm (8 to 10 inches) long. The weight will range from 900 to 2,200 g (2 lb. to 5 lb.)
DESCRIPTION	Muskrats have a variety of aquatic adaptations, including a rudder-like tail that is flattened side-to-side, partially webbed hind feet, and fur that traps air for insulation and buoyancy. The body is covered in thick, reddish-brown waterproof fur; while the under parts are grayish brown. They have partially webbed hind feet and small able hand-like front feet. The muskrat is further adapted for its semi-aquatic life with lips that act as valves, closing behind the front incisors allowing it to be able to gnaw underwater. Sexual Dimorphism: None
DENS	Muskrats either construct houses or burrow into banks. They dig extensive burrow systems along the banks of the water with an underwater entrance. In marshes, lodges are constructed from river vegetation, including cattails and mud. They are built at water level with several underwater tunnels for entrances. They also build feeding platforms in wetlands. The muskrat and the beaver, are the only mammals that actually build homes in the water.
MATING	Most females have two or three litters per year (sometimes more), with an average of about 7 or 8 kits per litter. The gestation period varies between 25 and 30 days. The young kit weigh about one-half ounce at birth. The kits are able to swim within 14 days, and are weaned at 28 days.
BEHAVIOR	Muskrats, so-called for their odor, which is especially evident during the breeding season, are highly successful semi-aquatic rodents. They are very good swimmers, using their tail for propulsion in the water. The Muskrats are nocturnal and are most active shortly after dark.
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE	They are found in Alaska, Canada, the United States and northern Mexico. The muskrat's normal home range is usually within 200 yards.
HABITAT	Muskrats live in both brackish and freshwater lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, and marshes throughout much of North America. They are not found in parts of the South where there is periodic flooding.
DIET	Muskrats are primarily herbivorous although have been known to consume crayfish, mollusks, fish and turtles during food shortages. Signs of muskrat feeding activity include food platforms and feeding houses. Muskrats occasionally cache food in their houses.

INTERESTING FACTS

Crepuscular

Crepuscular is a term used to describe animals that are primarily active in the early morning at dawn and in the late evening at dusk. Crepuscular animals may also be active on a bright moonlit night. Even though some mammals are listed as crepuscular, it is not unusual to see them other times of the day.
Crepuscular Birds: Common Nighthawk - Chimney Swifts
Crepuscular Mammals: White-Tailed deer - Eastern Cottontail

Crepuscular is thus in contrast with diurnal and nocturnal animals.

Nocturnal

This is an animal that rests or sleeps during the day and engage in feeding and other activities at night. Even though some mammals are listed as nocturnal, it is not unusual to see them other times of the day.

Nocturnal Birds: Barn Owl - Great Horned Owl
Nocturnal Mammals: Northern Raccoon - Striped Skunk

Nocturnal is thus in contrast with crepuscular and diurnal animals.

Diurnal

This is an animal that rests or sleeps after dark and are primarily active during daylight hours. Even though some mammals are listed as diurnal, it is not unusual to see them other times of the day.

Diurnal Birds: Crows - Red-tailed Hawks - Bald Eagle
Diurnal Mammals: woodchuck -Red Squirrel

Diurnal is thus in contrast with crepuscular and nocturnal animals.


CLICK ON PICTURES FOR ENLARGED IMAGE

Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Seneca County, New York


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