As promised, here are some additional images of the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) that I was able to observe one day last weekend at dusk, as it was foraging for food. I posted one photo in an initial blog entry entitle Muskrat at dusk—preview, but I knew that there were other shots that I wanted to share.
The muskrat would dig around a bit in the cattails and marsh grass and then would drag its food into the water to gnaw on it. I was struck by the muskrat’s dexterity and the way that it used its front paws, which looked remarkably like little hands. In some shots, the muskrat might be mistaken for a beaver, but in other shots you can clearly see the tail, which lets you know immediately that it is not a beaver.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
Incredible photos, and how wonderful to see his working hands and muskrat tail so clearly.
Really nice photos, Mike. The light is great, even at dusk. It’s nice to see their fur partially dried out, instead of looking like a greasy mop on a bad hair day. I remember my mother saying how warm a muskrat fur coat was, perhaps even in the rain.
You made the most of that opportunity – great shots.
Yup, definitely not a beaver, but it looks as busy as one. As do you. Your perseverance is really paying off, Mike!
I’m dubbing it a “duskrat.”
I grew up seeing these critters along the river where I lived. Once again I’m surprised you were able to get so close. They’re pretty timid.