muskrat Ondatra zibethicus
Order Rodentia Rodents
- Animals with 2 upper & 2 lower incisors and no canines
- Of all mammals, has the most number of worldwide species
Family Microtine mice (have long hairs on upper side of ears, so appear covered)
Named for pair of musk glands found on either side of lower abdomen in both sexes. Habitat- near freshwater. Eats water-growing plants (cattails, tules, rushes), bulbs, and grasses. Builds a house from aquatic plants; has submerged door.
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- All Rodents- a “gap” – no canine teeth
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- flattened crowns on molars
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- Scaly tail laterally compressed TRACK ID: Hind foot much larger than fore foot Hind foot >2 inches long, from back of heel to tip of longest claw
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- All Rodents- 1 pair each of upper & lower incisors
