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ExploreMammals

Muskrat

Ondatra zibethicus

Muskrats are furry animals that love to live near water. They are great swimmers and build cozy homes called lodges using plants and mud.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Muskrat has a stocky, brownish-red body with a lighter belly and small ears. Its most distinctive features are its long, flattened, and nearly hairless tail, and its partially webbed hind feet for swimming.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilyCricetidaeGenusOndatra
Muskrat
furry trait badgewebbed feet trait badgesocial trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Muskrat

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

59

Interesting facts

Baby muskrats, called 'kits,' are born blind and hairless but grow incredibly fast to survive!

Muskrats are so agile underwater, they can even swim backward to escape predators!

Muskrats build dome-shaped homes called 'lodges' from mud and plants, looking like mini beaver dams!

Their powerful incisor teeth never stop growing, which means they must constantly chew to keep them short!

Special abilities

Ability

Underwater Explorer

Muskrat can hold its breath for up to 17 minutes, allowing it to forage for food and escape predators underwater.

Ability

Hydrodynamic Swimmer

Muskrat has partially webbed hind feet and a flat, rudder-like tail that help them swim quickly and steer efficiently.

Ability

Waterproof Coat

Muskrat has dense, oily fur that keeps it warm and dry in icy water, which helps them survive cold climates.

Ability

Underwater Muncher

Muskrat can close its lips behind its front teeth, allowing them to gnaw on plants underwater without swallowing water.

Measurements & details

Length
45-65 cm
Weight
0.6-2 kg
Lifespan
3-4 years
Speed
5 km/h
Litter Size
4-8
Gestation
28-30 days

Diet & Feeding

Muskrats primarily munch on aquatic plants but also enjoy small critters like mussels and crayfish.

Primary Foods

  • Cattails
  • Water lilies
  • Sedges
  • Mussels
  • Crayfish
  • Small fish

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

OndatraWater Rat

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Always watch from a distance and don't try to touch wild animals like muskrats.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Muskrat?

Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How long is Muskrat?

45-65 cm

How much does Muskrat weigh?

0.6-2 kg

How long does Muskrat live?

3-4 years

How fast can Muskrat move?

5 km/h

What does Muskrat eat?

Muskrats primarily munch on aquatic plants but also enjoy small critters like mussels and crayfish.

Where is Muskrat usually found?

Wetlands

How does Muskrat hunt?

Foraging

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