Critters of the Week

Where Spotted: Dutch Gap
Common Name: Muskrat
Scientific Name: Ondatra zibethicus
Length: 20–35 cm (8–10 in)
Weight: 0.6–2 kg (1.3–4.4 lb)

Quick Facts Courtesy of Live Science

• The muskrat is native to North America. In the early 20^th century, though, the animal was introduced to northern Eurasia, according to the Animal Diversity Web (ADW). They are now found in Ukraine, Russia, adjacent areas of China and Mongolia and the Honshu Island in Japan.
• Muskrats are very social and live in large, territorial families, according to the ADW. They communicate with others and mark their territory with a secretion from their glands called musk. The scent serves as a warning to intruders.
• Muskrats aren’t picky. In fact, they will even resort to cannibalism in their own family, according to the ADW. Mostly though, they tend to prefer vegetation like cattails, waterlilies, roots and pondweed. They also eat snails, mussels, salamanders, crustaceans, fish and young birds.
• These small animals are very big eaters. Muskrats eat one-third of their weight every day, according to the ADW. Though they need a large supply of food, muskrats usually don’t travel any farther than 150 feet (46 meters) away from their homes.
• Though not great on land, muskrats are fantastic swimmers. They can hold their breath under water for 12 to 17 minutes, according to the ADW. They can swim up to about 3 mph (5 km/h) thanks to their paddle-like webbed feet. Muskrats can even swim backward.

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Nugget at Richmond SPCA

Who doesn’t love to treat themselves every now and again? A new outfit, a trip to the movies, a milkshake, or maybe even a Nugget. That’s me! I’m thinking it’s time I get myself a new home to call my own. I need a little time to assess the situation when I’m meeting new people, but once we’re friends we are friends for life! If you wanna team up with me, have your people call my people.

Age: 3 years, 11 months
Gender: Neutered Male
Color: Black / Blue
Size: L (dog size guide)
ID: 44013649

Adopt Nugget at the Richmond SPCA

In response to COVID-19 and in order to reduce visitor traffic, observe necessary social distancing and to best protect the health and wellbeing of thier staff and members of the public, Richmond SPCA has transitioned to adoptions by appointment only. Please review their adoption appointment process.