{"id":91163,"date":"2022-04-22T12:12:07","date_gmt":"2022-04-22T12:12:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/"},"modified":"2022-04-22T12:12:07","modified_gmt":"2022-04-22T12:12:07","slug":"what-does-a-muskrat-eat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/","title":{"rendered":"What does a muskrat eat?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#What_does_a_muskrat_eat\" title=\"What does a muskrat eat?\">What does a muskrat eat?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#What_do_Muskrats_like_to_eat_the_most\" title=\"What do Muskrats like to eat the most?\">What do Muskrats like to eat the most?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#Do_muskrats_bite\" title=\"Do muskrats bite?\">Do muskrats bite?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#What_does_seeing_a_muskrat_mean\" title=\"What does seeing a muskrat mean?\">What does seeing a muskrat mean?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#Are_muskrats_good\" title=\"Are muskrats good?\">Are muskrats good?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#Will_muskrats_eat_meat\" title=\"Will muskrats eat meat?\">Will muskrats eat meat?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#What_is_the_most_preferred_food_of_muskrats\" title=\"What is the most preferred food of muskrats?\">What is the most preferred food of muskrats?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#What_time_of_day_are_muskrats_most_active\" title=\"What time of day are muskrats most active?\">What time of day are muskrats most active?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#What_do_you_feed_muskrats\" title=\"What do you feed muskrats?\">What do you feed muskrats?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#Are_muskrats_good_to_have_around\" title=\"Are muskrats good to have around?\">Are muskrats good to have around?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#What_happens_if_you_get_bit_by_a_muskrat\" title=\"What happens if you get bit by a muskrat?\">What happens if you get bit by a muskrat?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#Do_muskrats_have_sharp_teeth\" title=\"Do muskrats have sharp teeth?\">Do muskrats have sharp teeth?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#Can_muskrats_be_tamed\" title=\"Can muskrats be tamed?\">Can muskrats be tamed?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#Is_a_muskrat_a_rat\" title=\"Is a muskrat a rat?\">Is a muskrat a rat?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#What_to_do_if_you_see_a_muskrat\" title=\"What to do if you see a muskrat?\">What to do if you see a muskrat?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#Are_muskrats_mean\" title=\"Are muskrats mean?\">Are muskrats mean?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#Why_is_the_muskrat_important\" title=\"Why is the muskrat important?\">Why is the muskrat important?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#Is_muskrat_meat_good_to_eat\" title=\"Is muskrat meat good to eat?\">Is muskrat meat good to eat?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#What_does_it_mean_if_you_see_a_muskrat\" title=\"What does it mean if you see a muskrat?\">What does it mean if you see a muskrat?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#What_do_muskrats_like_to_eat_the_most\" title=\"What do muskrats like to eat the most?\">What do muskrats like to eat the most?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#Is_a_muskrat_a_herbivore\" title=\"Is a muskrat a herbivore?\">Is a muskrat a herbivore?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#Can_muskrat_eat\" title=\"Can muskrat eat?\">Can muskrat eat?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#What_does_it_mean_when_you_see_a_muskrat\" title=\"What does it mean when you see a muskrat?\">What does it mean when you see a muskrat?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#How_can_you_tell_if_you_have_a_muskrat\" title=\"How can you tell if you have a muskrat?\">How can you tell if you have a muskrat?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-does-a-muskrat-eat\/#What_eats_a_muskrat\" title=\"What eats a muskrat?\">What eats a muskrat?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_a_muskrat_eat\"><\/span>What does a muskrat eat?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Muskrats eat <b>the roots, stems, leaves, and fruits of a many water plants, such as cattail, wild rice, water lilies, and rushes. Even though the muskrat is mainly a plant eater, it also eats small fish, clams, snails, and even turtles.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_do_Muskrats_like_to_eat_the_most\"><\/span>What do Muskrats like to eat the most?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Since muskrats are primarily herbivores, plant natural foods, such as <b>cattail, pickerelweed, bulrush, smartweed, duck potato, horsetail, water lily, sedges, willows, and other aquatics and riparia species. Be sure to plant only species native to your area.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_muskrats_bite\"><\/span>Do muskrats bite?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Are Muskrats Aggressive \/ Will Muskrats Bite? <b>Yes muskrats are aggressive and can be dangerous and can carry rabies! Generally speaking muskrats are pretty aggressive when it comes to other animals, but they are also known to be aggressive towards humans as well.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_seeing_a_muskrat_mean\"><\/span>What does seeing a muskrat mean?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Muskrats are considered lucky animals in other tribes, and some folktales include muskrats <b>bestowing wealth or hunting success on humans who treat them respectfully.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_muskrats_good\"><\/span>Are muskrats good?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Though thought of as pests because they sometimes eat crops and block waterways with their lodges, <b>muskrats are very helpful. By eating aquatic plants, they open other areas of the waterways, giving ducks and other birds clear places to swim. Their lodges are also used by other animals as resting areas and nests.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Will_muskrats_eat_meat\"><\/span>Will muskrats eat meat?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>What Do Muskrats Eat in Captivity? In captivity, you can feed your muskrat on bird seed mixes and offer them a portion of fresh fruits or vegetables every day. <b>You can also offer treats like insects, worms, or meat<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_most_preferred_food_of_muskrats\"><\/span>What is the most preferred food of muskrats?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Of all plants available in marshes, cattails are most preferred as a food item. However, muskrats appear to thrive equally well on a diet of <b>bulrushes, horsetails, or pondweeds, the last two constituting the basis of the diet in northern latitudes.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_time_of_day_are_muskrats_most_active\"><\/span>What time of day are muskrats most active?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Muskrats are considered nocturnal, though they are sometimes active during the day. Their most active times are <b>late afternoon and right after dusk<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_do_you_feed_muskrats\"><\/span>What do you feed muskrats?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Muskrats eat the <b>roots, stems, leaves, and fruits of a many water plants, such as cattail, wild rice, water lilies, and rushes. Even though the muskrat is mainly a plant eater, it also eats small fish, clams, snails, and even turtles.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_muskrats_good_to_have_around\"><\/span>Are muskrats good to have around?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Are Muskrats Good or Bad for Ponds  Lakes? (Considerations) In natural areas, <b>theyre quite an important species as they keep aquatic plant populations in check and are a very valuable food source to a large variety of animals.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_if_you_get_bit_by_a_muskrat\"><\/span>What happens if you get bit by a muskrat?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Muskrats have a lot of bacteria in their mouths, so <b>the bite wounds can easily become infected if not cared for properly. Muskrats also carry some diseases; rabies is rare, but possible. They can also carry tularemia and a kidney-related disease called leptospirosis (Lepto).<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_muskrats_have_sharp_teeth\"><\/span>Do muskrats have sharp teeth?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Toothed and Dangerous. <b>The muskrats orange incisors are his principal defense. Harder on the front than they are on the back, they wear down to the shape of a wood chisel with a knife edge. He can use them like a knife, too.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_muskrats_be_tamed\"><\/span>Can muskrats be tamed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Although wild in nature, <b>the muskrat may be easily tamed. Their gnawing propensities render it an undesirable pet, however!<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_a_muskrat_a_rat\"><\/span>Is a muskrat a rat?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Muskrats are large rodents, and therefore are related to rats, mice, voles, gerbils, hamsters and lemmings. These aquatic animals look a lot like their relatives.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_do_if_you_see_a_muskrat\"><\/span>What to do if you see a muskrat?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you have a substantial muskrat population or would rather not deal with them on your own, you can <b>contact a nuisance wildlife control operator, the Department of Natural Resources, or a pest control agency to trap and remove them for you.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_muskrats_mean\"><\/span>Are muskrats mean?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Yes muskrats are aggressive and can be dangerous and can carry rabies! Generally speaking muskrats are pretty aggressive when it comes to other animals, but they are also known to be aggressive towards humans as well. They are particularly aggressive when they believe theyre protecting their home or their family.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_the_muskrat_important\"><\/span>Why is the muskrat important?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Though thought of as pests because they sometimes eat crops and block waterways with their lodges, muskrats are very helpful. <b>By eating aquatic plants, they open other areas of the waterways, giving ducks and other birds clear places to swim. Their lodges are also used by other animals as resting areas and nests.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_muskrat_meat_good_to_eat\"><\/span>Is muskrat meat good to eat?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Yes! <\/b><b>Muskrat is safe to eat. It is also one of the healthiest foods available. The benefits of consuming muskrat are much greater than the risks of contaminant exposure.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_it_mean_if_you_see_a_muskrat\"><\/span>What does it mean if you see a muskrat?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Muskrats are considered lucky animals in other tribes, and some folktales include muskrats bestowing wealth or hunting success on humans who treat them respectfully. Some Native Americans also believe that muskrats can predict the weather.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_do_muskrats_like_to_eat_the_most\"><\/span>What do muskrats like to eat the most?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Since muskrats are primarily herbivores, plant natural foods, such as <b>cattail, pickerelweed, bulrush, smartweed, duck potato, horsetail, water lily, sedges, willows, and other aquatics and riparia species. Be sure to plant only species native to your area.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_a_muskrat_a_herbivore\"><\/span>Is a muskrat a herbivore?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Muskrats eat the <b>roots, stems, leaves, and fruits of a many water plants, such as cattail, wild rice, water lilies, and rushes. Even though the muskrat is mainly a plant eater, it also eats small fish, clams, snails, and even turtles.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_muskrat_eat\"><\/span>Can muskrat eat?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Muskrats are <b>primarily herbivores, feeding on aquatic vegetation. Figure 9. Muskrats are excellent swimmers. They use their tail for propulsion and steering.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_it_mean_when_you_see_a_muskrat\"><\/span>What does it mean when you see a muskrat?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Muskrats are considered lucky animals in other tribes, and some folktales include muskrats <b>bestowing wealth or hunting success on humans who treat them respectfully.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_you_tell_if_you_have_a_muskrat\"><\/span>How can you tell if you have a muskrat?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Signs of a muskrats presence or damage include:<\/b><\/p>\n<li>muskrat tracks: four toes in front and five in the back with visible claws; visible tail mark in between prints.<\/li>\n<li>muskrat droppings on dry, elevated surfaces such as stumps, logs, rocks or feeding platforms.<\/li>\n<li>feeding platforms: elevated, flat pads of mud and vegetation.<\/li>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_eats_a_muskrat\"><\/span>What eats a muskrat?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Predators. The muskrats main predators are <b>mink and otters. Some raptors (bird predators) such as eagles and ospreys will attack swimming muskrats. When on land, muskrats are vulnerable to predation by foxes, coyotes and raccoons.<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents What does a muskrat eat?What do Muskrats like to eat the most?Do muskrats bite?What does seeing a muskrat mean?Are muskrats good?Will muskrats eat meat?What is the most preferred food of muskrats?What time of day are muskrats most active?What do you feed muskrats?Are muskrats good to have around?What happens if you get bit&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"spay_email":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-91163","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91163"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=91163"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91163\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=91163"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=91163"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=91163"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}