Muskrat
Ondatra zibethicus
Wetland rodent of Assateague marshes. Look for V-wakes in ditches and push-up houses of vegetation.
Quick facts
| Group | Rodent |
|---|---|
| Likelihood nearby | ★★★☆☆ |
| Habitats | Salt marsh, Coastal bays, Assateague State Park, Assateague National Seashore |
| Seasons (this coast) | year-round |
How to recognize them
- Stocky brown rodent with a vertically flattened, sparsely haired tail (unlike a beaver’s paddle).
- Smaller than a beaver; often swimming with just the head above water.
Biology notes
- Eats marsh vegetation and some aquatic animals; builds lodges or bank dens.
- Important prey for raptors and foxes in the coastal marsh food web.
Where to see them around Ocean City
- Assateague salt-marsh ditches and pools.
- Coastal bay marsh edges near Ocean City on a falling tide.
When to look
- Year-round; dawn/dusk activity is easiest to catch.
Viewing tips & etiquette
- Scan for wakes and chewed vegetation platforms rather than expecting a long look.
