Ondatra zibethicus
Range
The muskrat is found throughout North America to the Mexican border. They have been introduced to Europe and Asia.Habitat
Muskrats are found in wetlands; swamps, marshes, ponds and lakes. They prefer marshes that keep 4 – 6 feet of water year round.Body Traits
They are about 20-inches long including their hairless, scaly tail. They have dense brown fur and partially webbed back feet for swimming. (Not fully webbed like the American beaver.)Habits
Muskrats can stay underwater for 15 minutes without coming up for air. They may be active day or night (but are mostly nocturnal). In winter, they do not hibernate. In a river habitat, they build a bank den and burrow. In a lake or marsh habitat, they build “hut” with an underwater entrance. The top is above the waterline providing a breathing vent. This provides habitat for other animals and protects them from hunting predators.Diet
Muskrats eat plants and roots (herbivores).Predators
They are an important food source for many predators, such as fox, coyote, lynx, eagles, hawks, etc.Reproduction
Females are pregnant for 1 month (gestation), having about 6 young.Lifespan and/or Conservation Status
They live about 3 years in the wild. They are listed as Lower Risk – least concern.
Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Vertebrata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Rodentia
- Suborder: Myomorpha
- Family: Cricetidae
- Subfamily: Arvicolinae
- Genus: Ondatra
- Species: Ondatra zibethicus