What is this floating through the pond? (1 Viewer)

gthang

Ford Focus Fanatic: mmmmmm... 3.1415926535.....

• May 10, 2004

• #1

While watching a pair of Canada Geese teach their newborns to swim, the water began moving. Knowing the laws of physics, something must be on the surface of the water making the disturbances. So I snapped a few pictures and here's what I got:

 

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Last edited: May 10, 2004

Joern Lehmhus

Well-known member

• May 10, 2004

• #2

Looks like Ondatra zibethicus; I think it is Muskrat in English?
was introduced into Europe (in the 18th century I think, but not sure) from North America where it is native.

 

gthang

Ford Focus Fanatic: mmmmmm... 3.1415926535.....

• May 10, 2004

• #3

The Common Muskrat is on my ZipGuides list for my area. It might be. I also thought of it being a Northern River Otter. What do you think. ZipGuides is found at www.enature.com (in case you don't know!)

 

gthang

Ford Focus Fanatic: mmmmmm... 3.1415926535.....

• May 10, 2004

• #4

No, I don't think it's a Common Muskrat (both the beaver and muskrat appear too dark to be the right species). The Northern River Otter appears to be just right.

 

Nightranger

Senior Moment

• May 10, 2004

• #5

gthang said:

No, I don't think it's a Common Muskrat (both the beaver and muskrat appear too dark to be the right species). The Northern River Otter appears to be just right.

Click to expand...

I am not sure about river otter because the ears look wrong. I would have thought muskrat too but it is impossible to judge scale and it even looks right for a beaver.

 

Michael Frankis

conehead

• May 10, 2004

• #6

Hi Gthang,

The tail is showing, and is fairly narrow, not broad like a beaver's. So I'd go for the Muskrat

Michael