Ondatra zibethica

Biological Overview

Habitat
Aquatic ecosystems, with the highest population being in beaver ponds. They are present in almost all of the states, the exception being Florida.

Diet
Omnivores that eat aquatic plants (i.e. water lilies) and animal matter (i.e. snails)

Role in Ecosystem
Heavily preyed on by minks, raccoons, hawks, owls, snakes, turtles, and fish.

Behavior
Breed all throughout the year, but they prefer to breed during spring and fall.

Human Impact

Humans play a vital role in the population control of muskrats. There have been many attempts to lower overpopulation of muskrats. For example, because of these attempts, muskrat populations in Rhode Island have decreased to only 15% of what the were 20 years ago. These efforts are important because without them the balance of muskrats compared to other organisms would offset the natural order of the ecosystem. In conclusion, humans are vital to the life of muskrats and the aquatic ecosystems that they live in.

Creative Exploration

Covered in fur, chocolate brown
Naked tail, flat like paper
Claws sharp, a nail to be hammered
Time on Earth, shorter than your ears
Up to four years, make them count
You’re a crumb, so very small
Derpy face, you make us calm
So innocent, make us forget our troubles.

Rylie E., Alden, Brianna C. Sotzsky, Addison Tunning

Book 8