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The Rodents. Order Rodentia. Teeth. Incisors Diastema Molars Malocclusion. Nocturnal. Whiskers. Porcupette 1/year. Prolific breeders Pests Food source. History. Vermin control $ Diseases Bubonic plague Typhus Hanta fever. Scientific research Food Fur trade items
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The Rodents Order Rodentia
Teeth • Incisors • Diastema • Molars • Malocclusion
Nocturnal Whiskers Porcupette 1/year Prolific breeders Pests Food source
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 Muskrats S Partner species
Mink (Mustelavison) • 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 implantation 2-7 young 3 ½” long blind, hairless 2 weeks, furred 5 weeks eyes open 6-7 weeks forage & learn to hunt w/ mom
Muskrats (Ondatrazibethica) • 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 • crayfish • mussels • fish • frogs • carrion • muskrat carcasses
Lodges Underwater entrance Rooms above water level Several rooms/tunnels Air vent central room 8-10 feet across 2-3 feet high Marshland channels Habitat change Keystone species
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