The muskrat is a medium-sized rodent native to North America. It typically measures about 20 to 25 inches long, including its long, scaly tail. Muskrats are semi-aquatic and are often found in wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of rivers and lakes. They have webbed feet, which help them swim, and their fur is thick and waterproof. Muskrats primarily feed on aquatic plants, roots, and some small animals. They build lodges made of reeds and mud, similar to beavers, but smaller. Muskrats play an important role in their ecosystems by helping to maintain wetland habitats and providing food for predators like otters and hawks.