A Muskrat’s Mark on Nature and Humanity

When I was younger, my mother took my sister and me out on a lake with some neighborhood friends. I didn’t know the family very well, but they had a pontoon boat, a blue igloo cooler packed full of Gatorade, and some floaties we could play on. There was no room for complaining, especially considering how much I loved swimming. My sister and I had patiently waited for everyone to join us at the dock. We were stuffed into uncomfortable red life jackets with the hot sun beating down on our crisped scalps. The lake water breeze carried the smell of seaweed, gasoline from the boat, and a hint of goose poop. We sat on the edge of the dock, giggling ecstatically as we dipped our toes into the cool, green water below.

“Look!” My sister shouted as she pointed in the direction of clumps of pondweed. Seamlessly streaming through the water was a small, brown head.

“It’s a baby beaver!” She yelled. The dock creaked under the weight of another person.

“That ain’t no beaver. That there is a water rat.” My sister and I glanced back at the unfamiliar man smoking a cigar behind us. His eyes were hidden behind some black Ray Bans, but we could tell that he was watching the little water critter. A smirk rested on his lips, one that caused my sister and I to steadily stop kicking our feet. Something wasn’t right. The man’s smile didn’t seem kind—it appeared venomous.

The harvesting of Muskrats began in the 1600’s. The exploration of North America was driven by the demand for fur and largely contributed to the harmful decimation of multiple native species. It was the age of Man vs. Nature, where ecocide festered in the North American pit of Mother Nature’s belly. Man sought to tame the environment and silence all who opposed their expanding domain that pushed for the “American Dream.” This American Dream consisted of claiming land, building a home, starting a family, and working to provide and protect that family under the idea that Man is superior, and it was within our rights to overtake nature. Women were silenced and men were at the forefront as society snaked its way across the land and established a tainted patriarchy built on the back of, but not solely on, nature's many sacrifices. Water resistant fur fetched a high price, especially the fur of beavers, otters, and Muskrats. Muskrats have a valuable underlayer of fur that is a great insulator and considered prized garment material. Historically, however, Muskrats were killed very inhumanely and suffered the lethal jaws of 1 to 1 ½ foot steel clamps that supposedly caused “minimal stress” (“Wild Fur Forever”). Minimal stress for whom, exactly? The aquatic mammals, till this day, are often baited with musk from the glands of other dead Muskrats, or they are lured out with a teasing kissing/whining sound that resembles a fellow Muskrat’s call (Kuhnlein and Humphries). 

Unfortunately, patriarchy—and its attendant ecocide—continues to reign, and Muskrats are still trapped, not necessarily with the intent of stripping them of their fur, but because they are considered a “nuisance” and have been placed on the “pest” list (“Wild Fur Forever”). Despite this, harvested Muskrat fur is still commonly used to make coats, hats, and trim to further the ecocidal belief that nature is disposable. The actual carcass of the animal, if the trapper cares to use it, is chunked into dog food and animal feed… the same carcass that society claims is full of “diseases” and “parasites.”

Modern day Muskrats are mostly killed for the sole purpose of being labeled as “environmentally destructive” creatures that carry parasites; however, this is a common misconception (much like how all possums are considered as “carrying diseases”). Since Muskrats are a semi-aquatic species, they are potentially exposed to a “high diversity of pathogens and contaminants, including those associated with terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems” (Ganoe et. al). They are expected to carry mites and water mites, but this is also common in a lot of other aquatic species. Specifically speaking, Muskrats are “hosts to a large numbers of endo- and ectoparasites” that bear a number of diseases like tularemia, hemorrhagic diseases, leptospirosis, giardiasis, Tyzzer’s disease, ringworm disease, and pseudotuberculosis (“Wildlife Damage Management”). Muskrats exist and adapt and carry their natural environment with them… but this makes them pests?

The Missouri Department of Conservation says that Muskrats “damage” the earth with their burrowing (“Wild Fur Forever”). Burrowing is a natural thing that many other creatures do too, like rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, moles, weasels, among others, but Muskrats are labeled as the “super destructive” ones. Isn’t Man still the one who destroys nature more than any other species? We tear up the land for money, we kill animals for money, we kill plants for money… but what are we working towards? A patriarchal ecocide has taken root in our “civilization.” Muskrats disturb nature for the sole purpose of survival, but humans decimate it for the sake of profit. Who are we to determine what is best for Muskrats and the environment when we are, consistently, the ones killing it?

“Muskrats are nasty vermin,” the cigar man continued. My tongue was lodged in my throat.

“It looks cute,” my sister replied innocently.

“Nothing cute about them, girl. They spawn like crazy and carry tons of diseases. We let the boys play with them.”

“How do the boys play with them? Can we swim with them?” My sister asked. The cigar man laughed, shook his head, and guided us towards the boat. Apparently, he was the mysterious neighbor with the pontoon.

“No, they don’t play with them like that,” he responded with a chuckle. I was beginning to feel uncomfortable. I also wished to swim away like the Muskrat, silent and determined to escape the prying eyes of the white man.

In Man’s attempt to silence ecosystems and the relationships we can hold with nature, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service felt the need to claim that a Muskrat's “burrowing and foraging activities can damage agricultural crops, native marshes and water control systems, such as aquaculture and farm ponds and levees” (“Wild Fur Forever”). Muskrats have existed in these environments long before Man's enforced violence on natural habitats. We take the land, “cultivate” it, and kill it for our “American Dream,” but Muskrats¾the ones who burrow and forage¾are being blamed for “damaging” these ecosystems. Whose ecosystems? Certainly not ours! Not only that, but Muskrats supposedly “overconsume” crops, crayfish, mussels, and other aquatic life (“Wild Fur Forever”). Who deems it “over consuming,” though? Who is keeping tally? Man is the one ripping minerals from the earth, flattening forests, and hunting to the point where species have gone extinct. How are Muskrats considered the “over consumers” in this case? In more drastic situations, Muskrats are even depicted as “upsetting” fragile waterfowl populations and “destroying” vegetation in marshes (“Wild Fur Forever”). However, did we ever stop to consider that maybe the changing of these ecosystems is integral to an environment’s growth, in the first place?

Nature’s ecosystems existed just fine without the imposing insight of Man, but now we claim the need to try to “save” these habitats from a species that has existed in these environments for longer than colonizers have been in America? Society considers Muskrats as “posing a threat” because of how they “constantly reproduce” and expand into other territories (“Wild Fur Forever”). Is that any reason to kill them, though? Man is responsible for upsetting the environment and overconsuming. Are we not the ones that continue to expand into their territory? Muskrats find their ways into urban areas because Man takes over entire ecosystems and destroys their habitats, and it is in these urban areas that Muskrats are considered “destructive” pests (“Wild Fur Forever”). This is the real reason why Muskrats are given a bad reputation.

Trappers are described as being the “heroes” of this situation: people are paid to hunt, kill, and destroy the Muskrat community because Muskrats tunnel deep into riverbanks and streams, which compromises the “structural integrity” that lead to “washouts” and erosion, potentially damaging the water environment as well as agricultural areas (“Wild Fur Forever”). None of these sources can go more than a few sentences without bringing agriculture into the mix again. It is clear to see where the priorities lie, and as mentioned before, Man is the one intruding on these environments. If we can’t domesticate the animals like we have our pets and cattle, then what purpose do they serve outside of our ecocidal agenda? Muskrats can cause “tremendous damage” to shorelines, which is why society considers us “lucky” to have the fur market industry because they are regulated in the United States (under licensed trappers) who “ensure that only the most humane and efficient methods are used, and there are never more muskrats taken than what’s healthy for the environment” (“Wild Fur Forever”). However, as of 2023 the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has added Muskrats, as well as other aquatic life (like beavers), to the “nuisance animal list” (Clarke). This means that private property owners can kill Muskrats, unregulated, without a permit. History, once again, repeats itself. But this isn’t the Muskrat’s first history.

In the Indigenous creation story of Turtle Island, Robin Wall Kimmerer describes how Skywoman pirouetted from the sky above and fell down upon the earth. In her book Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants, Kimmerer writes that Skywoman was aided by the creatures below and was graciously welcomed by them, as they gently helped her descend to rest upon the back of a mighty, old turtle. Skywoman told the animals that she needed mud to build a home, and they kindly offered their services with no promise for anything in return. Otter, Beaver, and Sturgeon each tried to swim to the deepest depths to collect mud; however, they were unsuccessful in their attempts. All that was left was Muskrat, the tiniest and weakest diver among the group. Bravely, despite many concerns, Muskrat dove beneath the water and left many wondering if he would ever return. After some time, streams of bubbles emerged along with the limp body of Muskrat, who tightly clung to a clump of mud for Skywoman (Kimmerer 4).

Muskrat had sacrificed themselves for a stranger, extending not only their kindness but also their very life for the sake of creating more for the world. Skywoman spread the mud across the turtle's back and gracefully danced her thanks. The animal's gifts, along with Skywoman’s gratitude, ended up forming Turtle Island, their home (Kimmerer 4). Muskrat represents more than just a brave creature. In fact, Muskrat’s sacrifice serves as a key role model for the Indigenous way of life, encompassing respect for one’s neighbors and strangers, being generous and welcoming, and being open to establishing relationships with the world around you. Beyond Indigenous beliefs, however, a Muskrat serves to represent the harmony humans and nature should hold with each other, a mutual relationship where all life respects one another and plays a critical, natural role in the circle of life (Kimmerer 5). Over time, however, these Indigenous voices have been silenced in the face of the “American Dream” and Man's patriarchal approach towards dominating the world.

Clearly, there is more to the Muskrat than what meets the eye. Much like how Man has historically chosen to silence women, forcing them to play the “docile” part for centuries, we have also chosen to silence the voices of the Muskrat and their harmless place in a Man vs. Nature world. The Muskrat, or Ondatra Zibethicus, showcases nature's incredible adaptability and ingenuity. Despite this, Man only views Muskrats as disposable and valuable in death. We find value in a Muskrat’s dense, dark brown fur, that makes them well-equipped for life in cold waters. Their fur traps air for insulation and buoyancy, and it lightens slightly in summer. Despite a Muskrat’s larger head, their ears are nearly invisible, concealed by their fur, and their sensitive, medium-sized whiskers which help them detect movements in their aquatic environment, making them prime hunters and adaptable survivors.

Yet, much like humans the Muskrat also works tirelessly to provide a stable shelter and life for their family. The ideals of the “American Dream” are not solely humans’. Renowned for their engineering prowess, Muskrats construct lodges or “bank burrows” using vegetation in water depths of 15 to 40 inches (Spencer). Just like how humans take the time to construct and build homes for their loved ones, Muskrats also do the same thing. Muskrats face natural predators in water, on land, and in the air, including coyotes, eagles, and large fish such as pike or largemouth bass (Spencer). So, these Muskrat structures offer protection from predators and nature’s many elements, as well as a secure place to raise their young.

As stated above, Man has posed a threat by hunting Muskrats for their fur, which was a significant industry in North America during the early 20th century. Changes in wetland habitats, due to both natural factors and human intervention, present further challenges for Muskrats. They are particularly sensitive to rapid temperature changes (Spencer). Nevertheless, Muskrats are highly adaptable animals and have shown remarkable ability to thrive in new water environments, often better than some competing species. In the patriarchal ecocide surrounding our own society, however, Man does not wish to adapt like the Muskrat: they wish to tame. If nature does not automatically yield to the agenda of this “American Dream,” then Man will choose to forcefully overtake that environment and destroy it for His ideals. Despite both Muskrats and humans striving for the same goals of finding land, building a home, starting a family, and working to provide for that family, they completely diverge in how they view the world around themselves. Muskrats have a cohesive relationship with Mother Nature. Meanwhile, Man believes he is superior and above all other species, and this ideology is not only destroying the planet, but also the very foundation for this relationship we could hold with the more-than-human world.

These “pests” are actually very capable of forming complicated relationships with one another as well. They reside in large family groups, each with its own home range and territory. Does that not sound familiar? Is that not what we do, too? Muskrat families construct nests to safeguard themselves and their young from cold weather and predators. They are highly intelligent and dig burrows with underwater entrances in streams, ponds, lakes, etc. that measure between 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) wide. In marshes, they build “push-ups” made of vegetation and mud, standing up to 3 feet (91 cm) tall. When it snows, Muskrats seal the openings of their dens with vegetation, which they replace daily to keep the entrances closed. Is that not genius? Humans also engineer their homes to adapt to the environment, but Muskrats focus less on “looks” and more on the practicality of their shelters. Protecting their families and providing a safe home is at the top of a Muskrat’s list, especially when it comes to the mating season and starting a family.

A Muskrat’s burrowing activities are also considered “damage” to riverbanks, and their “excessive consumption” reduces aquatic vegetation (“Animalia”). Yet Man, on a drastic scale uproots whole forests, digs trenches into the earth, and over consumes nature's minerals, plants, and animals. Human populations, like Muskrat’s, are dependent on the natural resources in an ecosystem. The plan for both parties is to work towards supporting their families, but unlike Muskrats, Man takes this to an extreme and kills the Earth that future generations will inherit. Consequently, Muskrats are often hunted and even poisoned across their range because they are viewed as “pests.”

My sister and I got on the pontoon boat while our mother was just coming over the hill along with a group of other neighborhood friends.

“So how do the boys play with the Muskrats?” I asked the cigar man. He smiled, spit into the water, and laughed again. I didn’t understand what was so funny.

“I mean the boys practice shooting on them. They kill them.” My smile dropped, and he kept smiling.

It is deeply unfortunate to see how Man weighs in on the life of other creatures. We think that we are incredibly superior and different from the species we kill and control when really, the Muskrat species represents a lot of ideals that American society idolizes. The “American Dream” encompasses the belief of a safe home, starting a family, and providing for that family. What Man doesn’t realize is that Muskrats carry those same goals. Muskrats are a celebration of hard work. They work hard to start families, provide for those families, and build protective homes. They live to love and survive. I see myself in the Muskrat. I see myself in how they are constantly on the move¾constantly building, expanding, and loving their family. I see myself in how dedicated the Muskrat is and the passion the animal carries to create a stable life: to see more, to eat more, to explore more, and to love more.

Yet, Muskrat is killed for money. We fear how Muskrats will destroy profitable farms and ruin crops, but what we don’t realize is that in killing the Muskrat society is also killing the American Dream. Is that not incredibly ironic? We relate so much to Muskrats and yet we consider them a complete nuisance. Just as we love to lay claim to land, Muskrats also choose a territory and live to protect it. There are so many similarities, but we only see a “pest.” Does this not mean that we are also “pests” to the world and the environment we force ourselves into? “Muskrats are crucial to wetland ecosystems” because they consume aquatic vegetation–which helps contribute to water quality maintenance (Spencer). Not only that, but they also enhance the overall biodiversity of wetland environments by allowing multiple species to live in their lodges and burrows. Muskrats are, essentially, nature's engineers and guardians to the wetland ecosystems.

Conserving and preserving Muskrats is integral to the delicate balance of our world's environments. The truth of the matter is that nature can live without us, but the environment can’t have balance without Muskrats. It is our responsibility to do better. Skywoman saw the value of Muskrat's sacrifice, so why can’t we? We can help protect Muskrats by preserving wetland habitats, avoiding habitat destruction, supporting conservation organizations, raising awareness of the importance of Muskrats for ecosystems, report injured or orphaned Muskrats, and keep our pets from intruding on wetland environments (Spencer).

Imagine the relationships we could hold with nature’s relatives if we changed our perception of Muskrats and other creatures? Instead of viewing ourselves as superior and above other species, why not learn their language? Man loves to label and diminish a species by throwing them into simplified categories, but these are complicated creatures with diverse means of communicating and living within their natural habitats. We, as the outsiders to this harmonious environment, are strangers that impose harmful opinions and threats. I don’t want my children, grandchildren, and future generations to grow up in a patriarchy fueled by ecocide. Society needs to learn how to observe and listen. The past can’t be rewritten; however, our futures have yet to be determined. With the road Man is heading down, I’m afraid the Muskrat are not the only ones at risk. We threaten not only Mother Nature but also ourselves.

We are destroying their world—a world we will never have the right to claim. The Earth is flourishing with biodiversity, and we are impeding this natural harmony. Man is the stranger—the orphan¾that looks for a place to belong and we are abusing the generosity of Mother Nature’s embrace. We are bad relatives. Nature has been silenced for far too long. I have been silenced for far too long. I can see it though, that little peek of light reflecting a better future. I can hear my children, my daughters, laughing as they point towards the little brown creature swimming through the water. They ask me what the animal is, and I smile and join them at the water’s edge.

“Let me tell you the story of Skywoman Falling.”

I was too afraid to say anything to the cigar man, then. As a woman, you are raised to please, smile, and push aside your feelings for the sake of entertaining others, especially men. I could see it in my sister’s face though. I could feel it in the way we both longingly searched for that little Muskrat among the pondweeds. Our reflections were the only thing staring back at us, a wave of ripples, broadening my perspective as I saw myself in the water. I saw the way I bit my lip to keep silent. I saw the presence of Man looming over nature. I saw how wrong it all was. Of course, at the time, we didn’t know that it was actually illegal to kill Muskrat’s without getting approval from the DNR. We simply kept our eyes on the water and, much like the Muskrat, the pontoon simply kept on moving along. I was silenced then, but I am no longer silenced now, and neither are you. 

We are the change. You are the change. 

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Works Cited

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Permit.” WDIV, WDIV ClickOnDetroit, 15 May 2023, www.clickondetroit.com/news/michigan/2023/05/15/michigan-dnr-expands-list-of-nuisance-animals-property-owners-can-kill-without-a-permit/.

Ganoe, Laken S et al. “A Review of Pathogens, Diseases, and Contaminants of Muskrats (Ondatra

zibethicus) in North America.” Frontiers in veterinary science vol. 7 233. 15 May. 2020, doi:10.3389/fvets.2020.00233

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Wildlife Damage Management, 30 Aug. 2019, wildlife-damage-management.extension.org/do-muskrats-carry-any-diseases-contagious-to-humans-or-pets/.