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Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)

The Muskrat is a medium sized rodent frequently seen in parks with lakes or rivers around Montreal. They build burrows with an underwater entrance along the banks of rivers, streams or lakes.

At a Glance – Muskrat

What exactly is a Muskrat?

A Muskrat is a semi-aquatic rodent often found around lakes, rivers, and wetlands. It’s a medium-sized mammal that builds burrows and lodges along the water’s edge. Muskrats are strong swimmers, use their tails as rudders, and play an important ecological role in maintaining healthy wetland environments.

Where can I see Muskrats near Montreal?

You can spot them in parks with water, like Parc des Rapides or Parc Angrignon. The page lists several locations in the Montreal area where Muskrats are frequently observed during spring and summer. They’re most active in daylight, especially in early spring when vegetation is still low, making them easier to see.

How can I tell a Muskrat apart from a Beaver?

Muskrats are much smaller and have thin, flattened tails instead of wide, paddle-like ones. While both are aquatic and build lodges, beavers are generally nocturnal and significantly larger. If you see a smaller rodent swimming in the daytime with a narrow tail, it’s likely a Muskrat.

Why are Muskrats important to their ecosystem?

They help shape and sustain wetland habitats. By feeding on aquatic plants and building lodges, Muskrats create open water areas and shelter for other species. Their activities support the balance of wetland ecosystems and provide food for predators like mink, foxes, and birds of prey.

Best Locations and Seasons for Sightings

Muskrats can be spotted all year long except winter in wetlands along ponds, lakes, rivers or streams. Best opportunities to observe Muskrats are during early spring in Parc des Rapides. With low vegetation it is easier to spot them.

"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from my park visit journals.

Identification and Similar Species

When swimming, I can easily wrongly identified Muskrats as North American Beaver (Castor canadensis). But once, having seen a beaver, I use the size as a distinguishable characteristics. Further, the shape of the tail and how the animal uses the tail to swim allows me to identify this animal. I rarely see beavers active at daylight, in opposition to Muskrats which I frequently observe during the day.

All content on this page — including photos, videos, and field audio recordings — was created by Karl-Heinz Müller, a Montréal-based wildlife filmmaker, sound recordist, and photographer. Founder of MUUUH and Québec Sauvage, he has spent over a decade documenting Canada’s natural habitats through immersive soundscapes and wildlife films. Learn more about Karl-Heinz

Last updated: 2025-10-30