Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)
Description: A rodent, actually a large mouse. Colour can vary from reddish-brown to almost black. The tail is long, ratlike and hairless. Feet are also hairless, and the hind feet are partially webbed. Has large, exposed incisors.
Habitat: Found near water, it builds lodges and digs burrows.
Feeding: Primarily herbivorous, eats large amounts of water plants including cattails, bulrushes and sedges. Will also feed on clams, mussels, snails, crustaceans, fish and young birds.
General: Will slap its tail on the water when alarmed similar to the action of a beaver. May share a single lodge with other individuals, but can also be very territorial.
References: Rezendes, Paul. 1992. Tracking & the Art of Seeing: How to Read Animal Tracks & Sign. Camden House Publishing Inc. Charlotte, Vermont.
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