Muskrat

The muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) is a semi-aquatic rodent of marshes, ponds, and slow-moving water. In the Lake Louise area, muskrats are easy to overlook because they are smaller and less famous than beavers; but in the right wetland habitat they are common, especially at dawn and dusk.

Identification

Much smaller than a beaver, with a narrow body, small rounded ears, blunt snout, and a long, vertically flattened tail rather than a broad paddle tail. Fur is dark brown and often slicked down when wet. On the water they sit low, with only the head, back, and tail line showing.

Habitat and behaviour

Muskrats favour cattail marshes, pond edges, oxbows, and quiet river margins where emergent plants provide both food and cover. They feed on sedges, rushes, cattails, and other aquatic vegetation, occasionally taking mussels or small aquatic animals. Unlike beavers, they do not fell trees or build large dams; their houses and feeding platforms are smaller and less conspicuous.

Viewing

Scan still water and reed-lined margins for a low swimming animal leaving a narrow V wake. The best chances come in calm morning or evening light. Give them space and do not approach shoreline lodges or feeding sites.