THE MUSKRAT'S HOME

a lodge

The muskrat does not use branches and trees like the beaver does when building its home. Plant material (like cattails and bulrushes) and mud are piled up to form a mound. A burrow is dug into the mound from below the water level. A room called a chamber is made inside where the family lives. The chamber is above water level so it is dry. There are one or two holes for exit/entrance. A small lodge is from half a meter to one meter high and two meters in width.

Larger lodges may have several chambers and may be up to a meter and a half high and nearly 2 meters across.

The lodge protects the muskrat from its enemies and from the weather. This is also where the muskrat raises its family. As many as twelve muskrats may share a large lodge in the winter.