Ondatra zibethicus is native to North America and found across most of Canada and the United States, reaching northern Mexico; introduced in Eurasia. This species is semiaquatic and inhabits marshes, swamps, lakes, ponds, and rivers. At 25 cm in length, and 0.6-1 kg in weight, Muskrat is the largest living vole. Its fur is thick, brown to dark brown, occasionally black. The tail is long, slightly flattened vertically. The hind feet have webbing. In marshes, Muskrats shelter in lodges (“push-ups”) constructed from vegetation and mud; elsewhere in burrow with an underwater entrance. They feed on cattail, water lilies, and other aquatic vegetation, occasionally consuming freshwater mussels, crayfish, frogs, etc.

 

		6905 Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) Long Point, Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved

 

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