What is another name for a muskrat? - briefly
The muskrat is also commonly called the water rat, sometimes referred to as the swamp rat.
What is another name for a muskrat? - in detail
The animal commonly called a muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) is also known by several alternative names that appear in scientific literature, wildlife management documents, and regional vernacular.
In North America, the term “water vole” is frequently applied, especially in the northern United States and Canada, where the species inhabits marshes, ponds, and slow‑moving streams. European sources sometimes use “marsh rat” to emphasize the creature’s preference for wet habitats. In parts of the United States, hunters and trappers refer to the species as “muskrat rat” or simply “muskrat” with the qualifier “coypu” reserved for the larger, unrelated South American beaver‑like rodent (Myocastor mys).
The scientific community consistently employs the binomial name Ondatra zibethicus, which distinguishes the species from other semi‑aquatic rodents. Historical texts list “coy‑muskrat” as an obsolete synonym, reflecting early attempts to differentiate it from the true coypu.
Key alternative designations include:
- Water vole
- Marsh rat
- Muskrat rat (regional)
- Coy‑muskrat (archaic)
These names arise from the animal’s morphology (resemblance to rats), habitat (wetland environments), and taxonomic history. Understanding the variety of appellations aids communication among biologists, wildlife officials, and the general public, ensuring accurate identification and management of the species across its extensive range.