Muskrat

Ondatra zibethicus

The North American muskrat, reaching a length of approximately 30 cm (12 in), is a medium-sized semiaquatic rodent with a long, flat tail that it uses as a rudder while swimming. Muskrats are omnivorous feeders, dining on a variety of aquatic plants, fish, freshwater mussels, and terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates.

Shattil & Rozinski/Oxford Scientific Films

Muskrat," Microsoft® Encarta® 96 Encyclopedia. © 1993-1995 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.


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