Muskrat

The muskrat seems to prefer cattail marshes over other habitats though I have seen them elsewhere, including fairly swift rivers. Their feet are rather distinctive. Tracks are usually found in sand or mud along streams and marshes.

Habitat

Look close and you will see a muskrat munching on cattail reeds with little regard for me as I watched nearby. This cattail marsh at Fernhill Wetlands near Forest Grove, OR, has a dense population.

Photo by Dennis Deck

Following tracks running into the bank I discovered this burrow.

Feet

Like other rodents, the muskrat has a 4f5H configuration. The hind feet, in particular, are quite distinctive with a fringe of hairs and a very asymetrical pattern.

The long tail is somewhat flattened and can be seen snaking back and forth while swimming. Like the beaver, the pelt is rich and soft.

Tracks

This muskrat climbed out of the Sandy River in Oxbow Park.

Photo by Dennis Deck

Another track from a different section of the Sandy River. Photo by Dennis Deck

Slough Creek in Yellowstone National Park.

Photo by Dennis Deck

Fernhill Wetlands, Cattail Marsh, Forest Grove, OR.

Typical walking gait.

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