An adult muskrat is about 16–28 in long, half being the tail, and weighs from 1.3–4.4 lb. Muskrats are covered with short, thick fur which is medium to dark brown or black in color. The belly is a bit lighter and grays as the organism ages. The fur has two layers, which helps protect them from the cold water. Their long tails are covered with scales rather than hair and are slightly flattened vertically, to aid in propulsion while swimming.
Fun Fact In several Native American creation myths, it is the muskrat that dives to the bottom of the primordial sea to bring up the mud from which the earth is created, after other animals have failed in the task.