Muskrat

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.