Muskrat
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Description
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A Large aquatic rodent.
Dense, glossy fur, dark brown above, lighter on sides; finer, softer,
and paler below to nearly white on throat. Small dark patch occasionally
on chin. Long tail scaly, nearly naked, laterally flattened (higher
than wide) and tapering to a point. Hind feet partially webbed
and larger than forefeet. Eyes and ears smaller. L 16 1/8-24"; T
7 1/8-3 1/2"; HF 2 1/2-3 1/2"; Wt 1 1/4-4 lb.
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Similar Species
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Round-tailed Muskrat is
smaller, with round tail; found only in se Georgia and peninsular Florida.
Nutria is larger, with round tail. American Beaver is much larger, with
very large, paddle shaped tail.
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Breeding
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Breeds late winter through
early September in North, year-round in South; 1-5 litters per year, each
of 1-11 young; females often breed while still nursing; gestation 25-30
days.
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Sign
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House, or lodges, constructed of aquatic plants, especially cattails,
up to 8' in diameter and 5' high, built atop of piles of roots, and
mud, or similar support in marshy areas, streams, or lakes, or along
water banks. Also, burrows in stream or pond banks, with enterances
above water line. Feeding platforms of cut vegitation in water, or on
ice, slightly smaller than houses and marked by discarded or uneaten
grass and reed cuttings. Other signs include floating blades of cattails,
sedges, and similar vegitation near banks or feeding platforms; piles
of clamshells sometimes at feeding sites in freshwater areas; and scent
posts along banks, composed of small mats with mud of leaves and grass
blades mixed with mud and musk secretions.
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Habitat
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Fresh, brackish, or saltwater
marshes,ponds, lakes, rivers, and canals.
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Other
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Other
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