Description
Muskrats have dark brown fur and a naked tail, which is flattened vertically. Muskrats get their name from the scent or “musk” glands at the base of the tail. They have partially webbed back feet for swimming, while the front feet possess long claws for digging plant roots.

Average Size
Muskrats stand about 4 ½ inches at the shoulder and average about 2 lbs. in weight.

Life Expectancy
Approximately 2-4 years

Preferred Habitat
In the Piedmont muskrats are found in most aquatic areas. They reach their highest numbers in beaver ponds, though they may also be found in farm ponds, irrigation ditches, small streams, lakes or any other freshwater habitat. Below the fall line, muskrats are restricted to just a few counties in the northeast end of the Coastal Plain. The muskrat may construct lodges or “huts” by piling up vegetation in shallow marshes, but like the beaver, muskrats prefer to burrow dens into ditches or stream banks. Along some of the state’s major reservoirs they have found ideal den sites by burrowing into the styrofoam beneath floating docks. This habit, of course, is not very popular with the dock owners.