Muskrat - Biology Of Muskrats, Economic Importance
range california coastal northern
The muskrat or musquash (Ondatra zibethicus) is a relatively large, amphibious rodent that is native to North America. The northern range of the muskrat reaches as far as the limits of the boreal forest from Alaska to Labrador and Newfoundland. The southern range of the muskrat extends through much of the United States as far south as northern Baja California, although not in the coastal plains of the southern states or coastal California. Muskrats have also been introduced in Europe, where it was hoped they would become a valuable source of fur.
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Muskrats can reach a body length of 12.6 in (32 cm), plus a long tail 11.8 in (30 cm) and a weight of about 3.3 lb (1.5 kg), although most animals are typically about 2.4 lb (1.1 kg) in weight. The waterproof fur (pelage) of muskrats is composed of a dense underfur, important for insulation, and a lager of longer, usually dark-brown, protective guard hairs. Muskrats of both sexes have a pair of la…
Muskrats are widely trapped for their durable fur, which is prized for the manufacture of warm, fashionable coats and other garments. Where muskrats are abundant, trapping can have a significant economic impact, providing important employment for people living in rural environments. Millions of muskrats are trapped each year, and muskrats are one of the economically most important wild fur-bearing…
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