In winter, bundles of vegetation the size of volleyballs provide breathing holes through the ice. Market Lake Wildlife Management Area, north of Roberts, is an ideal place for relaxing and watching muskrats. An observer might spot a swimming muskrat by a little nose making rings in the water as it pushes a reed towards a mound in the marsh. Occasionally one emerges from the water and sits on a patch of dry land, grooming the reddish brown fur on its back and its gray belly. The thick coat consists of both coarse guard hairs and a soft undercoat.
Muskrats get their name from the strong musky odor the males give off during mating time.
The musk glands at the base of the tail deposit a scent along trails and on their domes to announce their presence. They produce several litters a year each with as many as eleven young. Water rats are opportunistic creatures and will make themselves quite comfortable in manmade structures without so much as a by your leave. About ten years ago I noticed my poultry feed disappearing much faster than our assortment of chickens, ducks and the inevitable sparrows should consume it. I watched for what else might be raiding the feeder.