Is a muskrat a rat with musk?

The Muskrat - Ondatra zibethicus

 Ondatra is the genus to which muskrats belong.  What's amazing is that they are the only species present in the entire genus and that the rodent that they are most closely related to is the vole.  Rats (Rattus) have about 20 species while mice (Mus) are represented by hundreds of species.  Muskrats are a new world species, having an original distribution of Canada and the US (with a trace of presence in Mexico).  They have been introduced to South America, Asia, and Europe where their populations are expanding.  

The species name, zibethicus,  refers to the musky odor these creatures can produce from anal glands originating near the base of the tail.  It is interesting to note that the musk produced by these creatures is used in marking territory; its production is at a zenith during the breeding season.  A similar musk (castoreum) is produced by its larger relative, the beaver, and has been used in a surprising variety of foods and fragrances.  The musk produced by muskrats has never been of much commercial importance.

What is commercially valuable in muskrats, however, is their fur.  Muskrats are trapped and raised for their luxurious coats, a commodity that is particularly popular in Korea.  Such trapping decimated beaver populations in recent history; muskrats may breed up to four times a year and populations have never been jeopardized.  

Muskrats are primarily vegetarians; if you look at the above photo you can see this individual feeding vigorously on grassy reeds growing at the water's edge.  Their diet also consists of animal matter, mostly invertebrates, but the occasional fish, frog, and even turtle may end up on the menu.  Water plants are also very important in the construction of the animal's burrows.  If you want to read more about these interesting animals, check out this website.

Thanks for reading.   www.ericspix.com

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