The Muskrat a Common sight in Canadian Wetlands

Aside from the Beaver, another common inhabitant of a wetland is the Muskrat.

Although considerably smaller than the Beaver, (Canada's largest rodent), it is very similar in that it too builds a domed or igloo-shaped house which can become quite large. The Muskrat's house, however, is not constructed of sticks and branches as the Beaver's is.

Instead, it utilizes the available mud vegetation and cattails to form the protective walls of its lodge. This conglomeration hardens and acts as a formidable barrier between the Muskrat and the many predators that prey upon it.

The Muskrat, Encarta Ibethica, has numerous enemies and must be constantly alert for danger. Hawks, Owls, Eagles, Coyotes, Wolves, Fox, Weasels, Mink and just about every other predator larger, or large enough to take it on, will eat Muskrat if the opportunity presents itself. It is an extremely important food source for many animals, especially in winter.

Muskrats, like other creatures lower on the food chain, such as Rabbits, Mice and Squirrels, have large litters of young, several times a year to ensure the safe continuation of the species, since most do not survive their first year. A single litter of Muskrats may number as many as 10 or 11 but five to seven is more the standard.

During the fur trade, Canadian Beaver pelts were the hot commodity and became even more so as the numbers of European Beaver were slowly decimated by over- trapping. Europeans needed an alternate source of Beaver and Canada, it was believed, held an inexhaustible supply.

However, this continent supported many other fur bearers as well.  Enter the Muskrat, who's pelt, like that of the Beaver, was also warm and attractive, possessing excellent heat retaining qualities.

Consequently, it too, was heavily trapped up until the 1830s, but not to the extent that the Beaver was.

The Beaver was so extensively trapped it was nearly wiped out. This really says something about the hunting pressure that must have been exerted on the heads of these mammals because we are talking about a rodent; a very big rodent. In fact it is the second largest rodent in the world, with the South American Capybara taking first place.

 A number of yearlings and kits, along with the mated adult male and female, occupy one lodge. As a result, one family unit can number as many as eight Beaver under one roof. Beyond this, when one considers that beaver numbered in the millions across Canada, it is quite obvious that the unregulated hunting/trapping pressure on these creatures must have been incredibly intensive.

As a boy, I enjoyed following the odd Muskrat as it swam along the creek which meandered through the valley behind my house. I can recall how low the water level would get during the hot summer months and that when a Muskrat attempted to escape my scrutinizing gaze by diving under water, I could pursue it with ease.  The unsuspecting little fellow would resurface some 50 paces away, confident that it was out of harm's reach, only to realize that I was again right beside it. Eventually when I did this enough times, it figured out I meant no harm and would carry on with its business as if I wasn't there.

Muskrats populate the entire province and can be found wherever rivers, creeks, or wetlands exist. In comparison to the beaver, its closest relative, the Muskrat weighs far less -about .5 to 1.5 kilograms (1-1/2 to 3 pounds), as opposed to the Beaver which can weigh anywhere from 11 to 30 kilograms or 30 to 80 pounds. They are primarily herbivores, meaning they eat mostly vegetation but will also consume Crayfish, insects, and occasionally the odd minnow or fish, although as far as I know, they do not actively seek out and kill fish, Rather, it would appear that a fish would have to be practically laid out on a platter in front of a Muskrat before it would even bother.

Muskrats are active all year round but the best time to observe them is in the spring and summer when you can be comfortable with the outdoor temperature. Take a stroll alongside your favourite river or creek during the early evening or morning and you're bound to see one of these furry animals gliding silently through the water.

The next time you see one you may look at it in an entirely new way since like the Beaver, the Muskrat helped to play an important role (unwillingly of course) in the fur trade and the exploration of Canada from east to west and north to south.