Small game - mammals

Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)

The muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), also known as the musk rat, is a species of mammal, rodent from the Hamster family (Cricetidae). It is naturally distributed in North America, but it was artificially settled and subsequently naturally displaced in most of Europe (including Bulgaria), North-West Asia and the continental part of the Far East. The muskrat inhabits banks of rivers, lakes, marshes and canals. Leads a semi-aquatic lifestyle, excellent swimming and diving underwater. It is most often found in swampy areas at the mouths of rivers and in shallow reservoirs with banks covered with lush grassy vegetation. It digs complex holes in the banks of reservoirs with an entrance below the water level. The nest chamber is located above the water level. On swampy and low banks, it builds dome-shaped houses, more than 1 m high and about the same diameter, from dry twigs, grasses or broken reed stems. In winter, it builds houses on the frozen surface of water bodies, digs a hole in the ice below and searches for food under the water. A family can build and use several cottages