Muskrat

Ondatra zibethicus

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Mammalia · Rodentia · Cricetidae

About

The muskrat or common muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) is a medium-sized semiaquatic rodent. They are covered with short, thick fur of medium to dark brown color. Their long tails, covered with scales rather than hair, are laterally compressed and generate a small amount of thrust, with their webbed hind feet being the main means of propulsion and the unique tail mainly important in directional stability.

Fun Fact

Muskrats build dome-shaped lodges from cattails and mud that rival beaver lodges in engineering complexity, and they can swim underwater for up to 17 minutes by slowing their heart rate.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Marshes and wetlands

Diet

Herbivore

Lifespan

3-4 years

Threats

Dam Construction
Water Pollution

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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