What is the animal that resembles a beaver and a rat called? - briefly
The species is the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus). It is a semiaquatic rodent with a beaver‑like tail and a rat‑sized body.
What is the animal that resembles a beaver and a rat called? - in detail
The animal that combines the appearance of a beaver with the size and shape of a rat is the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus).
Muskrats belong to the order Rodentia and the family Cricetidae. They measure 30–45 cm in body length, with a laterally flattened, scaly tail that resembles a miniature beaver’s tail. Their fur is dense and waterproof, ranging from brown to dark brown, and their hind feet are webbed for efficient swimming.
Key characteristics:
- Semi‑aquatic habitat: wetlands, marshes, ponds, and riverbanks.
- Diet: primarily aquatic vegetation such as cattails, water lilies, and sedges; occasional insects and small fish.
- Reproduction: breeding season from March to September; litters of 3–8 young after a 21‑day gestation.
- Behavior: nocturnal, builds dome‑shaped lodges from vegetation and mud; creates runways through marsh vegetation.
Geographical distribution covers most of North America, extending into parts of Central America and introduced populations in Europe and Asia. In introduced regions, muskrats can cause erosion of banks and damage to crops, prompting management programs that include trapping and habitat modification.
Ecologically, muskrats serve as prey for otters, mink, hawks, and large snakes, linking aquatic and terrestrial food webs. Their burrowing activity creates habitats for other species, while their feeding habits influence plant community composition in wetlands.