The Muskrat, or Ondatra zibethicus, is a rodent of medium size native to North America. It typically inhabits wetlands and marshes, marking its territory with musk-- a strong scented secretion from the glands. The Muskrat makes for an excellent swimmer (even swimming backwards), and to aid itself in this, is equipped with a long, flat tail covered in scales which leaves a trail on the ground when on land.
As the name suggests, the Muskrat resembles that of a large rat, with thick brown-black fur, small facial features, and tiny front feet for digging.
Muskrats have a height of 4.5”-6.7” (11.5-17 cm), body length between 10”-15” (25-38 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 1.5-4.5 lb (.7-2 kg). The tail length of a Muskrat is 7”-11” (18-28 cm). Muskrats have a typical lifespan of 2-4 years in the wild and up to 10 years in captivity.
The Muskrat, or Ondatra zibethicus, is a rodent of medium size native to North America. It typically inhabits wetlands and marshes, marking its territory with musk-- a strong scented secretion from the glands. The Muskrat makes for an excellent swimmer (even swimming backwards), and to aid itself in this, is equipped with a long, flat tail covered in scales which leaves a trail on the ground when on land.
As the name suggests, the Muskrat resembles that of a large rat, with thick brown-black fur, small facial features, and tiny front feet for digging.
Muskrats have a height of 4.5”-6.7” (11.5-17 cm), body length between 10”-15” (25-38 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 1.5-4.5 lb (.7-2 kg). The tail length of a Muskrat is 7”-11” (18-28 cm). Muskrats have a typical lifespan of 2-4 years in the wild and up to 10 years in captivity.
