Ice Is Nice - Muskrat in Winter
by Nikolyn McDonald
Title
Ice Is Nice - Muskrat in Winter
Artist
Nikolyn McDonald
Medium
Photograph
Description
Though larger than rats, muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) are relatively small rodents and measure from 1 1/2 feet to just over 2 feet in length, nose to tip of tail; about half that length is the tail. Sometimes mistaken for beaver, they are considerably smaller, and their tail is long and thin (not flat). I photographed this one in mid December at Walnut Creek in Papillion, Nebraska. The nights were freezing, but the days often warmed to the mid 40's; the ice on the surface of the water was thin - easy to break through but strong enough to support the animal as it fed on vegetation it had dragged up from the bottom of the lake.
This photo has a lightly painted effect, best appreciated by using the high resolution preview tool.
Uploaded
December 21st, 2023
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