the rodents

The RodentsORDER RODENTIA

Teeth • Incisors• Diastema• Molars• Malocclusion

Nocturnal

Whiskers

Prolific breedersPestsFood source

Porcupette 1/year

History Vermin control $ Diseases

Bubonic plague Typhus Hanta fever

Scientific research Food Fur trade items

Allegheny Wood Rat – endangered species of rodent in PA

and MuskratsPARTNER SPECIES S

Mink (Mustela vison)

• Mustelidae family• Semi-aquatic

Hearing

Sight

Smell

Predator - opportunistic feeder• Muskrats• Mice• Rabbits• Shrews• Fish• Frogs• Crayfish• Insects• Snakes• Waterfowl• Birds• Eggs• Domestic poultry

Dens• Woodchuck tunnels• Hollow logs• Vacant muskrat lodges• Stone piles• Large tree roots• Near water• More than one entrance

Young

Delayed implantation2-7 young3 ½” long blind, hairless2 weeks, furred5 weeks eyes open6-7 weeks forage & learn to hunt w/ mom

Muskrats (Ondatra zibethica)

• Musk• Rodent• #1 Furbearer in

USA• Nicknames

• Marsh hare • Musk beaver

Body Characteristics

• Rudder, propulsion, prop• Webbed hind feet• Forefeet agile, small, claws• Underfur and guard hairs for

insulation• Weigh about 3 pounds• Excellent swimmers• Hold breath 15 minutes• Special lips

Diet - herbivores• aquatic plants• legumes,’• grasses,• grains,• garden crops• animal protein

crayfishmusselsfishfrogscarrionmuskrat carcasses

Lodges

8-10 feet across2-3 feet high

Marshland channelsHabitat changeKeystone species

Underwater entranceRooms above water levelSeveral rooms/tunnelsAir vent central room

Young

Large litters Stable population Up to 4 litters/year Musk trails

• 5-8• Blind• Furless• Weaned & fully furred 1 month

Predators

#1 Predator – Mink Foxes Great-horned owl Hawks Snapping turtles