Habitat Suitability Index Models: Muskrat

The muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) is the most valuable semi-aquatic furbearer in North America, with a total fur trade income in the millions of dollars (Willner et al. 1980). With the exception of Florida, and coastal Georgia and South Carol ina, native and introduced populations of muskrats occur throughout most of North America. Muskrats are an important component of the marsh ecosystem, serving as a food source for many predators (Wilson 1968), and can have a major impact on wetland vegetation (O'Neil 1949; Errington 1961, 1963; Weller and Spatcher 1965).