Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) is in the Hamsters, Voles, Lemmings, and Allies family (Cricetidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 29,311 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: seasonal. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Muskrat: observations by month (U.S.)
About Muskrat
The muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), the only species in genus Ondatra and tribe Ondatrini, is a medium-sized semiaquatic rodent native to North America and is an introduced species in parts of Europe, Asia, and South America. The muskrat is found in wetlands over a wide range of climates and habitats. It has important effects on the ecology of wetlands, and is a resource of food and fur for humans.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Muskrat by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 2,431 | May | Mar–Jul |
| Minnesota | 2,272 | April | Mar–Jun |
| Michigan | 2,243 | April | Mar–Aug |
| Illinois | 1,999 | April | Mar–Aug |
| New York | 1,841 | April | Mar–Jul |
| Wisconsin | 1,761 | April | Mar–Aug |
| Massachusetts | 1,615 | April | Mar–Jul |
| Virginia | 1,426 | April | Mar–Jul |
| Colorado | 1,362 | April | Mar–Aug |
| Maryland | 989 | April | Mar–Jun |
| California | 922 | April | Jan–Aug |
| Washington | 824 | April | Mar–Sep |
| Utah | 780 | April | Feb–Aug |
| Pennsylvania | 721 | April | Feb–Jul |
| Oregon | 620 | April | Feb–Aug |
| Indiana | 573 | April | Mar–Jun |
| Vermont | 540 | April | Mar–May |
| New Jersey | 440 | May | Mar–Jul |
| North Carolina | 405 | May | Feb–Jul |
| Idaho | 398 | March | Jan–Sep |
| Tennessee | 397 | April | Feb–Jul |
| Montana | 380 | May | Mar–Nov |
| Missouri | 363 | March | Mar–Jul |
| Alaska | 318 | May | May–Jul |
| Wyoming | 316 | June | May–Oct |
| Maine | 304 | May | Apr–Oct |
| Iowa | 253 | April | Mar–Aug |
| Delaware | 247 | April | Mar–Jul |
| Nebraska | 245 | May | Mar–Jun |
| New Mexico | 233 | April | Mar–Aug |
| Kansas | 224 | May | Feb–Jun |
| New Hampshire | 198 | April | Mar–Jul |
| Connecticut | 193 | April | Mar–Jul |
| Nevada | 185 | March | Dec–Oct |
| Arkansas | 162 | May | Feb–Jul |
| North Dakota | 133 | May | Apr–Aug |
| Georgia | 128 | May | Mar–Jul |
| Rhode Island | 123 | April | Mar–Aug |
| South Dakota | 112 | April | Mar–Jul |
| West Virginia | 112 | April | Mar–Aug |
| Oklahoma | 96 | April | Mar–Jul |
| District of Columbia | 91 | March | Mar–Jul |
| Alabama | 77 | March | Feb–Mar |
| Kentucky | 74 | April | Feb–Jul |
| South Carolina | 70 | April | Mar–May |
| Arizona | 55 | June | Dec–Aug |
| Texas | 28 | March | Mar–Mar |
| Mississippi | 18 | May | Feb–Dec |
| Louisiana | 14 | April | Dec–May |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related mammals (Hamsters, Voles, Lemmings, and Allies)
Hispid Cotton Rat
White-footed Mouse
Eastern Meadow Vole
Western Deer Mouse
California Vole
Dusky-footed Woodrat
Bushy-tailed Woodrat
Photography tips
- Keep a legal and safe distance: 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other large animals in national parks.
- Dawn and dusk are peak activity times for most mammals.
- Use your car as a blind on wildlife drives.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Muskrat?
Nationally, April has the most observations, with the main season from March to July.
Where is Muskrat most often seen?
The most observations come from Ohio, Minnesota, Michigan.