Recreating Nature Indoors
Ever wonder who made the dioramas in our mammal halls? Read all about the artists who created these wonderful scenes. Learn more >
The Making of a Diorama
The Habitat Views video considers ways of looking at dioramas today, and documents the creation of several new displays. Take a look over on our YouTube Channel >
Our Exhibits Meet State Standards!
Our diorama halls are just one place where teachers and chaperones can meet State Standards! To download easy-to-use field trip guides that are aligned with Standards.
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Mammalogy Contacts
Jim Dines
Collections Manager
(213) 763-3400
jdines@nhm.org
David Janiger
Curatorial Assistant
(213) 763-3369
djaniger@nhm.org
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Muskrat
Ondatra zibethicus (Linnaeus, 1766)
Scene:
Gray Lodge Waterfowl Refuge, Gridley, CaliforniaBackground artist:
Robert C. ClarkMuskrats are excellent swimmers and evade many predators by escaping into water or into their burrows and nests. They can remain under water for up to 15 minutes.
Muskrats are very abundant in appropriate habitats, making them important prey animals for predator populations.
Muskrats are often considered pests because they eat farm crops, especially grain. Their burrows block drains and sometimes cause dikes to fail.
Biological Information
Range:
Northern North America to the Gulf Coast and Mexico
Habitat:
Swamps, marshes and wetlands
Status:
Widespread and abundant in suitable habitats
Diet:
Aquatic plants and agricultural crops
Further information about this species may be found on the Animal Diversity Web page for muskrat.