Use of active Beaver, Castor canadensis, lodges by Muskrats, Ondatra zibethicus, in Wyoming

Abstract

Three Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) were observed using active Beaver (Castor canadensis) lodges in Wyoming. Muskrats were observed carrying cut vegetation into active lodge entrances and one Muskrat was trapped in a run as it was leaving the lodge Muskrats may use Beaver lodges in an attempt to decrease predation and alleviate extreme environmental conditions.