Muskrat
| Muskrat Status Secure | ||||||||||||||||
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| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||||
| Ondatra zibethicus (Linnaeus, 1766) |
The Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), the only species in genus Ondatra, is a large rodent native to North America, and introduced in parts of Europe. Adult body length is usually between 25-40cm long, with a strong, laterally compressed tail 20-25cm long. The weight is up to 1700g, about four times the weight of a Brown Rat.
They live in wetlands: ponds, lakes and river banks, and are very good swimmers, using their tail for propulsion in the water. Extensive burrow systems are dug in the ground adjacent to the water.
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