On Block Island, muskrats are often
seen on the side of the road munching on tender
new vegetation in wet ditches or close by to either
fresh or salt water. Muskrats are larger and have
a more rounded body form than the Norway rat. Additionally,
they have a long smooth tail that is flattened vertically,
and dense brown fur.
Muskrat Facts:
- Muskrats spend much of their time in water.
- Muskrats are excellent steady swimmers aided by their flattened tail acting as a sculling oar, and their partially webbed hind feet.
- Muskrats create domed floating lodges from marsh vegetation and mud.
- Muskrats usually have 2 to 3 litters (each with 5 - 7 young) per year. Lodges or vegetation lined earthen chambers serve as the nursery for young muskrats that become independent in about 30 days.
 Muskrats are one of five types of mammals found on Block Island and were introduced by Bert Ball in the 1930s. Well known for the quality of their fur and used for fashionable coats, muskrats were trapped for a short period of time on Block Island. No longer hunted for their fur, these animals are now more valuable (as they were also in the 1930s) for their ability to keep a pond clean and open, free from the build up of dense vegetation.
The muskrat (Ondatra zibethica) is found
throughout Alaska, Canada and most of the lower
48 United States. Some interesting exceptions to
this geographical distribution of muskrats exists:
in Florida and south east Georgia the alternative
Florida Water Rat, with its smaller body and round
tail is found; and, the muskrat of Newfoundland
is considered a distinct species (O. obscura).
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