This muskrat is on the move! Did you know muskrats are helpful to their aquatic communities? They harvest plants for food and shelter, creating open water for ducks, geese, shorebirds, and other wildlife. In addition, many animals —including snakes, turtles, and frogs use muskrat lodges to rest and nest in. | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

North Dakota Backyards and Beyond – Did you know that muskrats aren’t related to the rat family at all even though their long hairless tail makes them look like they belong? These semiaquatic rodents, which can be found in wetlands across the state, get their name from the really potent musk glands they use to mark their territories. Learn more about muskrats in this week's North Dakota Outdoors. | North Dakota Game and Fish Department