The muskrat is associated with wetlands, ponds and riverbanks. It originates in North America but has also been introduced to Eurasia. It shelters in bank burro
wzdłuż osi ciała · od pyska do końca ogonaReference values · details in the profiles
Ondatra zibethicus
wzdłuż osi ciała · od pyska do końca ogonaMeasurement: side
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The muskrat is associated with wetlands, ponds and riverbanks. It originates in North America but has also been introduced to Eurasia. It shelters in bank burrows and plant-built lodges. Water access and lush vegetation determine its daily living places.
It eats mainly aquatic plants, their shoots and roots. It sometimes supplements its diet with molluscs, fish or other small animals. It does not hibernate and may forage beneath ice. It swims well using its hind feet and laterally flattened tail.
Muskrats may form family groups within a particular area. Scent helps mark occupied sites. The female nurses young in the nest before they begin swimming independently and trying plant food. Breeding timing depends on climate; in colder regions young appear mainly in warmer months.
nos → koniec ogona; ogon wliczony. NPS Devils Tower: 16–25 cali łącznie z ogonem (ogon 8–11 cali). 1 cal = 2,54 cm; dane północnoamerykańskie. Punkt to środek zakresu, a nie średnia populacji. Wysokość obrysu wynika z proporcji ilustracji; przód jest przybliżoną projekcją.