What is a muskrat? - briefly
The muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) is a large, semi‑aquatic rodent native to North America, identified by brown fur, a laterally flattened tail, and webbed hind feet. It occupies wetlands, constructs burrows or lodges, and feeds mainly on aquatic vegetation.
What is a muskrat? - in detail
The muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) is a medium-sized, semi‑aquatic rodent native to North America. Adult individuals weigh 0.5–2 kg and measure 30–50 cm in body length, with a laterally flattened tail that aids swimming. Dense, water‑repellent fur covers the body, while the hind feet are webbed and equipped with strong claws for digging burrows in wetland banks.
Habitat preferences include marshes, ponds, slow‑moving streams, and the edges of lakes where emergent vegetation provides cover and food. The species constructs complex tunnel systems with chambers for nesting, food storage, and waste, often reinforced with plant material. Burrows are typically partially submerged, allowing quick escape from predators.
Diet consists primarily of aquatic vegetation; the animal grazes on cattails, bulrushes, and pondweed, supplementing intake with small invertebrates, fish eggs, and carrion when available. Typical foraging behavior includes:
- Nighttime grazing on submerged stems and roots
- Seasonal shift toward more herbaceous material in summer
- Opportunistic consumption of insects and crustaceans during breeding season
Reproduction occurs year‑round in warm climates, with peaks in spring and summer. Females give birth to litters of 4–8 young after a gestation period of approximately 21 days. Offspring are weaned within three weeks and reach sexual maturity at 6–8 months.
Geographic distribution now spans most of the United States, Canada, and extends into parts of Europe and Asia where the animal was introduced. In its introduced range, populations can reach high densities, causing erosion of riverbanks, damage to crops, and competition with native waterfowl.
Ecologically, the muskrat functions as a herbivore that influences plant community composition and as prey for otters, mink, snapping turtles, and raptors. Its burrowing activity aerates soils and creates microhabitats for other organisms.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the species as Least Concern, reflecting its broad range and large population. Management practices focus on habitat modification, trapping, and exclusion fencing to mitigate agricultural and infrastructural damage where necessary.