The Muskrat
Ondatra Zibethica
By: Frankie
Description: Muskrats are a beaver-like animal with brown fur. Muskrats are animals that live near any body of water they can swim in. They get their name from the musk-like odor that they emit during breeding season.They live in North America and have been introduced into some parts of Europe. They’re suited for life in the water. They use their scaly tails and webbed feet to paddle through water. Muskrats grow from 16-26 in. long, including a 10 in. long tail. They live about 3 years in the wild and about 10 years in captivity.
Habitat: Near any body of water they can swim in (lakes, creeks, ponds, etc.)
Diet: Vegetation, especially cattails, bulrushes, and the roots of water plants. They also will eat crawfish, clams, and snails if they can can catch them.
Offspring: 1-11 young as many as 3 times a year.
Predators: Alligators, coyotes, hawks, minks, owls, and raccoons. FUN FACTS:
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Click here to watch Muskrat: Freeloader or Helper?
Sources: worldbookonline.com/student/article?id=ar379160&st=muskrat#tab=homepage, World Book Online
Icwdm.org, Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management
www.exploringnature.org, Exploring Nature Educational Resource
www.pinterest.com, Pinterest
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/wild/kingdom-of-the-north/videos/muskrat-freeloader-or-helper/
www.dictionary.com/browse/muskrat
Icwdm.org, Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management
www.exploringnature.org, Exploring Nature Educational Resource
www.pinterest.com, Pinterest
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/wild/kingdom-of-the-north/videos/muskrat-freeloader-or-helper/
www.dictionary.com/browse/muskrat