Round-tailed Muskrat
- Scientific Name
- Neofiber alleni
- Also Known As
- Florida Water Rat
- Range
- Most of Florida, Except Panhandle
- Diet
- Aquatic Plants and Mollusks
- Life Expectancy
- 1 - 2 Years
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Round-tailed Muskrat (Florida Water Rat) in Central Florida
The Florida water rat (Neofiber alleni) is a semiaquatic rodent endemic to central and southern Florida.
Often confused with introduced rodents like the roof rat (Rattus rattus) and Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus), the Florida water rat is distinguished by its smaller size, adaptations for swimming, and preference for wetland habitats.
This comprehensive guide provides detailed identification tips, biology facts, habitat information, diet, health risks, signs of infestation, and professional control methods for Florida water rats in central Florida.
Appearance and Identification
The Round-tailed Muskrat (Florida Water Rat) can be identified by the following key physical characteristics at different life stages
Adult Florida Water Rat
Juvenile Florida Water Rat
Maturation Rate
Young Florida water rats develop and mature very quickly compared to many other rodents. They open their eyes by about 2 weeks old and are weaned by 20 days of age. Florida water rats reach adult size by 6 weeks old. Females begin breeding as early as just 6 weeks of age. Their rapid growth allows populations to quickly rebound after setbacks.
Habits and Behavior
Florida water rats are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, most active around dawn and dusk. They construct extensive burrow systems with entrance holes measuring 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) in diameter in the banks of ponds, lakes, marshes, swamps, canals, and other waterways.
Their home range is relatively small, often less than 300 square feet (30 square meters). Florida water rats are solitary and territorial animals, with both sexes defending distinct home ranges. They are powerful swimmers and divers, foraging underwater for up to 15 minutes.
Florida water rats can run on land but are