***NY- Game Species***

    It seems almost every cattail marsh in the state has its own resident muskrats.  Larger and healthier marshes have several of these common rodents.  Similar to Beaver in habits, Muskrat prefer more less woody marshes.  While a Beaver builds its lodge out of sticks the Muskrat uses cattails, which it also uses for food.  The lodges are usually the first sign of Muskrat presence.  Muskrats also construct and use feeding platforms, a floating mat of vegetation they sit on while eating.  Relatives of New World Rats and Mice, they are excellent swimmers and spend most of their time in the water. Females have several litters of 4-11 young per year.  All Muskrats are accomplished tunnelers and become pests when their consistent tunneling weakens dikes on ponds.  Their waterproof fur is somewhat valuable and they are still a target of trappers.