Musquash

Musquash (Fiber zibethicus), a large vole-like aquatic rodent ranging from Rio Grande to the Arctic regions. The head and body are about a foot long, and the scaly tail nearly as much more. The fur - to obtain which large numbers are taken yearly - is umber-brown above, and grey below. In summer they burrow in the banks, and in winter build dome-like dwellings of sedge and grass plastered with mud. They swim and dive well, and feed on aquatic vegetation. Musk glands are present in both sexes.