We live in a subdivision that has man made ponds and lakes. Last fall, up untill December we would see a muskrat swimming back and forth in the pond behind our house. We no longer saw it during the winter, but were hoping it would return this spring. So far, it has not reappeared even though the ducks have returned. Is it too early for it to return? Or has it possibly moved to a different lake or pond? Or do they not survive the winter? We miss our little friend and would appreciate any thoughts or knowledge you would have about whay may have happened to it. Thanks!

No, it isn't too early. The muskrat would have stayed there over the winter. They are nocturnal, so they're mainly active at night. (But it isn't uncommon to see them out during the day). That may be one reason you haven't seen it. Also, young are born starting in April, so if it was a female it may be tending to young and not out as much. The other possibility is that it did not survive the winter. Muskrats do not live very long. Flooding is a major source of mortality.

We finally saw our friend! The weekend following when I posted the question we saw a large area of splashing on one side of the pond and suddenly there was the muskrat! It was swimming all around the pond and the ducks were following it! We didn't see any baby muskrats, but our friend looked considerably thinner than last time we saw him/her. We haven't had another sighting since that one, so we are hoping it is a female with young and there will be more muskrats to enjoy watching this summer. Thanks for the information.

Glad to hear. Happy muskrat watching!