Streamside Companions: The Muskrat
By Neil M. Travis, Montana
The Muskrat, Ondatra Zibethica, is a very
common mammal nearly anywhere in North America where water
is found. The Muskrat is a large, robust rodent with dense
glossy fur, small ears, and a nearly hairless, scaly,
laterally flattened tail and partly webbed hind feet. An
adult muskrat will be approximately 10 to 14 inches long,
excluding the tail, and swims by kicking its hind feet and
swishing its tail from side to side.
Muskrats are chiefly vegetarian, although some invertebrates
and fresh water mussels are sometimes consumed. They are active
all times of the day, but periods of low light during the early
morning and late afternoon produce the most activity. Cloudy
days, especially in the fall and winter, may cause the muskrat
to be active all day.
Muskrats construct rather elaborate structures in certain
locations, particularly on lakes and ponds, but occasionally
along the margin of streams. This structure, which resembles
a small beaver lodge, is constructed of cut vegetation,
normally cattails and sedges, and may rise 2 or 3 feet
above the water. Inside the structure is a chamber with
one or more underwater entrances. The chamber may be used
as a sleeping or eating place, and occasionally a female
will use it for a family residence. Normally, muskrats dig
long, extended tunnels into the banks of their watery
habitat. It is this habit that has earned them the nickname
"Rat" and has given them many human enemies. This extensive
burrowing habit weakens dikes and causes the collapse of
stream banks. These burrows may extend up to 20 feet into
the bank and contain several chambers which are used for
sleeping and raising young. The burrows are kept quite
clean since muskrats rarely defecate in their burrows.
You will find their oval droppings on rocks and logs,
usually some distance from the burrow entrance.
Muskrats tend to be solitary animals, and most burrows
contain a single, adult animal. Several may live together
amicably during the colder months, but such friendly
relations soon come to an end with the coming of warmer
weather. Muskrats can become quite aggressive amongst
themselves when crowded, and many muskrats fall victim
to cars and predators when moving from one location to
another. Mass movements of muskrats occur during periods
of extended drought, and in spring and fall when large
numbers of young muskrats are driven out of the parents
territory due to overcrowding.
Muskrats are normally silent except for a nasal moan and
some squealing noises made when fighting. An aggravated
muskrat may chatter or grind its teeth to show its
displeasure.
Muskrats have many enemies, including man. The fur is
warm and thick and makes excellent lining and trim for
hats and gloves. The grayish underfur is a superb fly
tying material, making excellent bodies for both dry
flies and nymphs.
Muskrats are normally of little concern to the angler.
They do not eat fish, and their habit of eating aquatic
vegetation may actually improve fishing in areas of heavy
aquatic growth. Their burrowing habit does cause problems,
and anglers should be aware of their presence to avoid
stepping in one of their collapsed burrows. It is a real
jolt to be walking along and suddenly find ones leg knee
deep in a muskrat burrow. The experience is less than
thrilling.
Despite their propensity to burrow, muskrats are delightful
creatures that add to our pleasure while fishing. On heavily
fished waters, they become quite accustomed to humans, and
will go about their business in close proximity to wading
anglers. With a mouth full of aquatic weeds, they are a
comical sight.
One can only wonder what they think of us in our waders and vests.
~ Neil M. Travis, Montana
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