The Forest Preserve District, during the past 12 years, has created or restored more than 50 marshes and ponds particularly in the Palos section. Here may be counted 68 muskrat houses along the shore or projecting above the ice farther out. About half of them are large ones. They are circular mounds rounded on top, from four to six or more feet in diameter at the base, and project from two to four feet above the water. Each pair of muskrats constructs such a house during the late summer and fall, adding to it each day until winter comes, with a system of underwater tunnels to reach it, and chambers above the water-line for storage of food and for living room.
Muskrats are very prolific.
The first litter will be born in March, the second in June, the third in August and sometimes a fourth in October. Thus each pair may produce from 15 to 30 young each year. That is why, of all fur animals trapped in the United States each year, the total money value of the muskrat fur sold is greatest. Incidentally, muskrats are mighty good to eat. They live largely on the fleshy roots, tubers, stalks and other parts of the vegetation that grows in the water or on land near their homes.