Maine Rivers

Our mission is to protect, restore, and enhance the ecological health of Maine's river systems

Our mission is to protect, restore and enhance the ecological health of Maine’s river systems.

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Muskrats

Muskrats
(Ondatra zibethica) can be found in and around rivers, lakes, and ponds throughout Maine. Their coats are essentially waterproof and gray-brown colored, and their tail is nearly hairless. They excavate dens in the banks of streams, rivers, and lakes. Like beaver lodges, these dens have dry chambers and underwater tunnels, and there are ventilation holes which are hidden at the surface by shrubs, branches, and thick vegetation. They also often build “feeding huts” where they can eat in protection while out and about.

Muskrats can have as many as 4 litters per year each with six to seven young in each. Mating season islate March through July. After a gestation period of 28 to 30 days, the young are born blind, helpless, and almost naked. In two weeks, their eyes open and in approximately eight weeks they are weaned from their mother.

Mainly nocturnal, it’s not unusual to see muskrats during the daylight hours. During winter they generally like to spend most of their time in their denst.With their webbed hind feet acting as paddles and their tail as a rudder, muskrats can swim rapidly and can even swim backwards.

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Maine Rivers

1 month ago

Maine Rivers

www.pressherald.com/2021/01/21/yarmouth-to-consider-the-benefits-of-removing-royal-river-dams/ ...

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Maine Rivers

1 month ago

Maine Rivers

www.museumla.org/current-news ...

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Maine Rivers

1 month ago

Maine Rivers

www.pressherald.com/2021/01/13/klpd-to-file-plan-with-regulatory-agency-to-surrender-mousam-dams/ ...

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Kennebunk Light and Power District to file plan with regulatory agency to surrender Mousam dams

www.pressherald.com

Public meeting to hear comment set for Jan. 26.
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Watersheds

Maine’s Watershed Regions: Read More

Legislation

State of Maine Legislation: Read More

River Life

30,000 miles of rivers and streams course through the glaciated landscape of Maine. Read More

Advocating for Free Flowing Rivers

Hundreds of years ago, before the first European settlers came to Maine, the region looked very different. Read more

Restoring Native Fish to Our Rivers

We work to restore native fish populations to rivers throughout Maine. Read more

Maine River Restoration Successes

We celebrate river restoration achievements across the state. Read More

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Maine Rivers

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P.O. Box 782
Yarmouth, ME 04096
Phone: 207-847-9277

Email: contact@mainerivers.org

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