Muskrat

rodent · swimmer · wetlands · semiaquatic

Stinky defender. Muskrats produce a strong musky smell from special glands to mark their territory and warn other muskrats to stay away. This smell is so famous that it gave the animal its whole name.

Master builders. Muskrats build cone-shaped houses called lodges out of marsh plants, mud, and sticks in shallow water. These homes can be as tall as a person and protect them from predators and freezing winter weather.

Gnawing rodents. Like all rodents, muskrats have large front teeth that never stop growing, so they constantly chew plants, roots, and bark to keep them worn down.

Rapid breeders. A muskrat family can have two to three litters of babies each year, with up to 11 babies in a single litter, which helps them thrive in their wetland homes.

Wetland eaters. Muskrats munch on cattails, water lilies, and other aquatic plants, and they can eat almost one-third of their body weight every day.