Muskrats

By: Morgan

Description The muskrat is a mammal that lives in

Nebraska. Muskrats are medium size usually 40to60 cm long almost half of it’s tail.The muskrats are dark brown. They have thick fur that is very warm and of good quality. Their special body parts are webbed feet ,thick fur ,a belly a bit lighter, and the fur has two layers.

Habitat They are found in North America, Europe,

Asia, South America, and Canada.Their habitats are wetlands and nature. They live in marshes,and lodges.Most muskrat lodges are swept away in spring floods and have to be replace each year.

Living Habitats It feeds on cattail and other aquatic

vegetation. Muskrats are most active at night or near dawn and dusk. It lives in water. It is considered a fish in this case.

Birth and Growth The babies are born small and hairless and weigh

only about 22grams. Females can have 2to3 litters a year of 6to8 young each. In southern environments young muskrat mature in 6 months , while in colder northern environments it takes about a year.

Interesting FactsThey spread throughout northern

Europe and Asia. Some European counties such as Belgium and the Netherlands consider the muskrat to be a pest that must be exterminated. Therefore the animal is trapped and hunted to keep the population down.

The End