Muskrats live in wetlands: ponds, lakes, marshes and river banks, hence the nickname "swamp bunny". They are very good swimmers, using their tail for propulsion in the water.
Muskrats have two unique adaptations that help with survival. The first is the shape of their nostrils. They look like the number seven. The shape of the nostrils allows muskrats to inhale remaining oxygen from recently exhaled breath. This allows for muskrats to swim under water for up to 15 minutes. The other adaptation has to do with how the muskrat got its name. Muskrats are named because of the musk glands located near the underside of their tail. These secretions are used to warn other muskrats when a territory is already occupied. Keeping other muskrats away cuts down on competition for food and mates and aids in the muskrat's survival.
