Ondatra zibethica
Size: to 14" (body)
Habitat: in and around water
Notes:
Muskrats sometimes build a water "house", like a beaver, although they don't build dams. Common anywhere there is suitable watery habitat.
An assortment of mammals that might be observed in and around the water.
More: Freshwater Mammals ...
There are few marine reptiles and even fewer in the cold North Atlantic. While it would be possible for a salt-water crocodile to swim up from the Caribbean, there is no record of one ever having done so. Nor are there any of the sea-snakes that are famous in the South Pacific. The only marine reptiles that are encountered in our waters are sea turtles.
The one exception to this is the little Diamondback Terrapin, Malaclemys terrapin. (right) This small turtle ( about 6 inches ) is found only in salt marsh environments. Adults are very strong swimmers and have even been noted in the ocean surf, although I don't think they venture offshore.
More: Sea Turtles ...
