Muskrat
What to do if you have a close encounter with a muskrat?
- Muskrats are not dangerous but like any wild animal, they should be not be approached.
- Watch your step when traveling around wetlands including parks ponds. These rodents burrow into the banks which can create hazards.
- Muskrats found wandering are not a threat and should be left alone. If a muskrat is injured, trapped or diseased call Urban Biological Services at 306-975-3300.
Appearance
- Short brown, black or grey fur and can have a belly that is lighter in colour.
- Long, vertically flattened tail that is as long as the body.
- While swimming, the tail moves side to side to propel the animal and is visible on the surface.
- Tracks often have a distinct tail mark.
- Length is 40-70 cm (16-18 in) and weight is 0.6-2 kg (1.3-4.4 lbs).
- Muskrats can be mistaken for rats.
Behaviour and Habitat
- Muskrats are very common in Saskatoon.
- They live in small family groups consisting of a female, a male and their offspring.
- Muskrats create small raised lodges in sloughs, ditches and other places with permanent water. These houses are made of cattails, grasses and mud.
- May also dig holes and tunnels in the banks of streams, rivers and lakes, especially when cattails and bulrushes are not present.
- When frightened while in water, muskrats will dive and remain under water for up to 15 minutes.
- Muskrats generally use the same travel routes and do not move far from their den. However, during ice break-up at the end of winter muskrats will disperse in search of their own territory. These juveniles can move up to 30km in search of mates and unoccupied water bodies.
Diet
- Muskrats are semi-aquatic small mammals. They feed on aquatic vegetation such as cattails and grasses but will occasionally eat fish, mussels and other small animals.