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Muskrat Lodge

Ondatra zibethicus

Photo by beaker98
Published on Project Noah
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42.1401, -90.1745

Field Notes

Description:

Also called push-ups, dens, or mounds. Muskrat lodges are structured from reeds, grasses, and sticks. They can be several feet high.

Habitat:

Backwaters of the Mississippi River

Notes:

While kayaking the backwaters, I found dozens of these muskrat lodges. I could hear the muskrats in some of them making little grunting noises. Not sure what was going on in there:)

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (5)
LisaPowers
Project Noah Fun Fact: Muskrats mostly inhabit wetlands, areas in or near saline and freshwater wetlands, rivers, lakes, or ponds. Muskrats normally live in groups consisting of a male and female pair and their young. During the spring, they often fight with other muskrats over territory and potential mates. Many are injured or killed in these fights. Muskrat families build nests to protect themselves and their young from cold and predators. In streams, ponds or lakes, muskrats burrow into the bank with an underwater entrance. Muskrats are found over most of Canada and the United States and a small part of northern Mexico. They were introduced to Europe where they have become an invasive species. ~Wikipedia Muskrat Lodge (Ondatra zibethicus) spotted in Illinois, USA by PN member beaker98. https://www.facebook.com/projectnoah/photos/a.10150595289465603.674700.10150120463815603/10156478659540603/?type=3&theater
beaker98
Thanks armadeus! They really are interesting. I would love to see the inside of it.
Liana
That is so cool!!!
Ava T-B
Please consider adding this spotting to the Animal Architecture mission at http://www.projectnoah.org/missions/8082378

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Signs of Wildlife
Mission
Nests, hives, bowers, webs & other animal architecture
Mission
Critters of the Midwest
Mission
Mammals of KY, TN, IL, OH, MI.

Tags

Photographed
PublishedJanuary 21, 2016

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