Muskrat Diet

Muskrats have a primarily herbivorous diet, feeding mainly on aquatic vegetation. Their favorite food sources include cattails, water lilies, and other plants found in wetlands and shallow bodies of water. Muskrats use their sharp incisors to cut through these plants, which they then store in their lodges for future consumption. Though plant material makes up the bulk of their diet, muskrats are opportunistic eaters and will occasionally consume small animals like crayfish, snails, and fish if plant food is scarce. This flexibility allows them to survive in a variety of wetland environments, where food availability can fluctuate.

In addition to aquatic plants, muskrats sometimes venture onto land to feed on nearby crops such as corn and rice, which can cause conflicts with farmers. They are known to graze on these crops when they are located close to their habitats, particularly during the summer and fall months. To ensure muskrats receive a balanced diet in the wild, maintaining healthy wetlands with diverse plant species is crucial. For those managing muskrat populations, limiting access to crops and protecting water sources can help reduce the impact of their feeding habits on agriculture. Overall, muskrats are versatile foragers whose diet reflects the rich resources of their wetland habitats.