Muskrats, the Beavers Distant Little Cousin

I am fortunate to have muskrats, mink, beaver, and occasionally otters living in close proximity to each other in a small stream near our home.  On any given day any of these species may be present, although to be honest, otters are more readily detected by their sign-tracks and spoor, than by actual sightings.

Arriving at the water just ahead of the sun, and quietly waiting, usually results in a muskrat sighting as these small rodents forage for food.  During the spring birthing season they also gather dry leaves and grass to line their burrows...

This particular animal brought the collected material to the water, soaked it for awhile, and then stuffed it into its cheek pouches for transport to the den...

Then it would go back up the bank to collect more material...

After several trips the muskrat took a break from gathering forage and swam to a log near mid-stream...

It spent some time exploring the log...

With its curiosity satisfied, it slipped back into the stream...

It's water route brought it even closer to my position, allowing me to obtain the following photos...

It is always a pleasure to watch these interesting, energetic animals go about their activities.

Thanks for visiting, be well, and come back soon.