Discover the Wetlands' Whiskered Wonders: Top 10 Fun Facts About Muskrats!

1. Swanky Underwater Tail Propulsion

Who needs scuba gear when you're a muskrat with a built-in, swanky underwater tail propulsion system? These crafty critters don't let their rodent name fool you, as they're the royalty of a whole different family tree: Muskrats can swim underwater for up to a whopping 17 minutes, using their remarkable tails to zip through the depths. Kings of the wetlands ecosystem, they feast on aquatic vegetation and pull off their own version of aquatic gardening by selectively trimming plant species, making a splash in prairie wetland vegetation.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

2. Aquatic Usain Bolt

Who said rats can't race? Muskrats are like the aquatic version of Usain Bolt: surprisingly, these furry little creatures can run up to six mph on land, thanks to their adorably small front paws and webbed hind feet, which make them both speedy and efficient.
Source => havahart.com

Did you know beavers are nature's pencil sharpeners? Their powerful orange incisors create a chisel-like cutting surface, perfect for felling trees and gathering materials. Discover how their constant gnawing keeps their teeth in check!

=> Fun Facts about Beavers

3. Beavers vs. Muskrats Family Reunion

When beavers and muskrats hold family reunions, things can get a little awkward at the rodent buffet: Muskrats belong to the Cricetidae family – along with hamsters, voles, rats, and mice – while their dam-building cousins are members of the Castoridae family. However, due to the socially-inclined concept of convergent evolution, these two species have managed to develop many similar traits and behaviours to keep the conversation going.
Source => reconnectwithnature.org

4. Aquaman's Whiskered Sidekick

When muskrats aren't busy applying for the position of Aquaman's sidekick, they're perfecting their other submerged superpower: These whiskered wonders can swim underwater for up to 17 minutes, covering an impressive distance of up to 46 meters (150 feet) in one go.
Source => esf.edu

5. Muskrat Buffet

Feeling peckish? Join the muskrat buffet: Muskrats devour both plant and animal matter, feasting on aquatic vegetation like cattails and bulrushes, but also dabbling in fish, crustaceans, and frogs, with an occasional side of tree-sourced acorns and samaras.
Source => fs.usda.gov

6. Post-Breakup Binge Diet

Weighing in at a hefty one-third of their body weight, muskrats have a daily diet more impressive than a post-breakup ice cream binge: These furry diners feast on aquatic vegetation like cattails, sedges, and pond weeds, but also put their claws into the occasional small aquatic animal, including freshwater mussels, crayfish, frogs, fish, and turtles.
Source => a-z-animals.com

7. Michael Phelps of the Rodent World

Move over, Michael Phelps: Muskrats have swooped into the world of aquatic prowess, flaunting their Olympic-worthy swimming abilities. The serious reveal: These furry powerhouses come equipped with webbed rear feet and a flattened tail, enabling them to glide and change directions effortlessly, all while staying submerged for up to 15 minutes and retaining warmth in icy waters.
Source => biokids.umich.edu

8. Gnarliest Incisors Award

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who has the gnarliest incisors of them all? Muskrats, of course: Armed with 0.7-inch long, continuously growing incisors, these aquatic rodents expertly gnaw through tough stems, plant roots, wood, and even rope while keeping their teeth in check – lest they become a mouthy menace.
Source => a-z-animals.com

9. Pool Party Tail-Swinging Champions

If muskrats held a pool party, they'd monopolize the dance floor with their fancy footwork and tail-swinging shenanigans: Muskrats possess large, webbed hind feet for effortless swimming and a scaly, flattened tail that aids as a rudder, while they mainly feast on cattails and aquatic plants, occasionally dabbling in small aquatic creatures like crayfish and mussels for an extra kick of flavor.
Source => in.gov

10. Cold Water Connoisseurs

Muskrats: the cold water aficionados with a built-in thermostat! These clever rodents have a tail-orable secret to staying toasty even when taking a dip in the iciest of waters: regional heterothermia adaptation. This fancy schmancy trick allows them to regulate blood flow to their tails and feet, keeping them warm, happy, and looking forward to that next frosty swim.
Source => biokids.umich.edu