220 



Handbook of Nature-Study 



The winter lodge of the muskrat is a most interesting structure. A 

 foundation of tussocks of rushes, in a stream or shallow pond, is built 

 upon with reeds plastered with mud, making a rather regular dome which 

 may be nearly two or three feet high ; or, if many-chambered, it may be a 

 grand affair of four or five feet elevation ; but it always looks so much like 

 a natural hummock that the eye of the uninitiated never regards it as a 

 habitation. Always beneath this dome and above the water line, is a 

 snug, covered chamber carpeted with a soft bed of leaves and moss, 

 which has a passage leading down into the water below, and also has an 

 air-hole for ventilation. In these cabins, closely cuddled together, three 

 or four in a chamber, the muskrats pass the winter. After the pond is 

 frozen they are safe from their enemies and are always able to go down 

 into the water and feed upon the roots of water plants. These cabins are 

 sometimes built in the low, drooping branches of willows or on other 

 objects. 



BANK. 



A muskrat 1 s summer home. 

 Drawn by A. MacKinnon, a boy of 13 years. 



Whether the muskrat builds itself a winter lodge or not, depends upon 

 the nature of the shore which it inhabits; if it is a place particularly fitted 

 for burrows, then a burrow will be used as a winter retreat; but if the 

 banks are shallow, the muskrats unite in building cabins. The main 

 entrance to the muskrat burrow is always below the surface of the water, 

 the burrow slanting upward and leading to a nest well lined, which is 

 above the reach of high water; there is always an air hole above, for 

 ventilating this nest, and there is also often a passage, with a hidden 

 entrance, leading out to dry land. 



The flesh of the muskrat is delicious, and therefore the animal has 

 many enemies; foxes, weasels, dogs, minks and also hawks and owls prey 

 upon it. It escapes the sight of its enemies as does the mouse, by having 

 the color of its fur not noticeable; when discovered, it escapes its enemies 

 by swimming, although when cornered, it is courageous and fights fiercely, 

 using its strong incisors as weapons. In winter, it dwells in safety when 

 the friendly ice protects it from all its enemies except the mink ; but it is 

 exposed to great danger when the streams break up in spring, for it is then 

 often driven from its cabin by floods, and preyed upon while thus help- 

 lessly exposed. The muskrat gives warning of danger to its fellows by 

 splashing the water with its strong tail. 



