MUSKRAT 



Young duller in appearance, dusky on back, paler on sides. 



Measurements. — Total length, 22.5 inches; tail vertebrae, 

 ID inches; hind foot, 3.2 inches; weight, 2 pounds. 



Geographical Distribution. — Most of North America, south 

 of the Barren Grounds. 



Fig. 91. Muskrat 



Food. — Mainly vegetation, chiefly aquatic plants, but 

 sometimes traveling from water for other vegetation; animal 

 food such as mussels, fish, and salamanders. 



Enemies. — Hawks, Owls, Minks, Otters, Weasels, Foxes, 

 Wolves; occasionally Pike and Pickerel. 



Species and Subspecies of the Genus Ondatra. 



Common Muskrat. — Ondatra zihethica zihethica (Linnseus). 

 As just described. Found in " Southeastern Canada, north- 

 eastern and east central United States; from New Bruns- 

 wick and Quebec west to Minnesota, and south to northern 

 Georgia and Arkansas, except along the Atlantic seaboard 

 south of Delaware Bay." (HoUister). 



Virginia Muskrat. — Ondatra zihethica macrodon (Merriam). 

 Largest form of the genus, total length, 24.6 inches; hind- 

 foot, 3.5 inches. Color lighter, brighter, and with less 

 black than typical zihethica. Found in "Middle Atlantic 



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