The Travels of Tug 44 |
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Muskrat |
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The Muskrat is a semi-aquatic mammal that eats nearly anything it can find in or near the river or swamp. They are not rats at all, they are rodents and related to beavers, voles and mice. high-res
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Here's a closer look at the Muskrat. They are about a foot long, plus tail. When swimming, the tail swishes side-to-side and also acts as a rudder. high-res
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Muskrats eat water plants, including cattail stems. They will also take any small critters such a snails, frogs, mussels and crayfish. This pair in late November is stocking up plant stems for food during winter. high-res
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Muskrats swim under the ice easily, but this one is walking on top. He didn't get good traction so he went back to swimming under the ice. high-res
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The Muskrat is swimming with his webbed hind feet and by swishing his tail side to side. high-res
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Muskrats often build a den by digging into the riverbank, with the entrance sometimes under water. The main chamber will be above water level to stay dry. high-res
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This pile of plant stems is known as a Muskrat Pushup. On occasion the Muskrats will live inside it, and other times they just swim here to get food during the winter. high-res
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March 2019, this Muskrat couple meets each other on a submerged grassy hummock. Looks like they are smiling and happy to see each other. high-res |
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The new arrival climbs out of the water and the two of them enjoy a nice hug together! high-res
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And after they are done hugging, they play together ... chasing each other across the swamp. And every few minutes they switch places and chase in the other direction. high-res |
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