Mammal field guide · Hamsters, Voles, Lemmings, and Allies

Photographing the Muskrat

How to photograph the Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus): the right lens for its size, shutter speeds for perched and moving animals, and when it's most often seen (April and May).

8–60 cm1/2000 s
Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)
Photo: © Owen Strickland, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Owen Strickland via iNaturalist
8–60 cm
Typical length (family range)
1/800 s
Shutter: perched / still
1/2000 s
Shutter: action / flight
f/5.6–f/8
Aperture
44,082
Research-grade sightings in N. America
ModeManual + Auto ISOLock shutter & aperture, let ISO float
Shutter (still)1/800 s
Shutter (action)1/2000 s
Aperturef/5.6–f/8
FocusAF-C + subject/eye detectionGet down to eye level; a long lens with close focus (or an extension tube) helps with small subjects.
DriveHigh-speed burst
Lens200–600 mmFull-frame equivalent

Focal length needed to frame it#

For a subject about 34 cm long filling a third or half of the frame width horizontally.

Distance⅓ of frame (FF)½ of frame (FF)⅓ of frame (APS-C)⅓ of frame (MFT)
5 m (16 ft)169 mm251 mm113 mm84 mm
10 m (33 ft)338 mm503 mm225 mm169 mm
15 m (49 ft)506 mm754 mm338 mm253 mm
20 m (66 ft)675 mm1,006 mm450 mm338 mm
30 m (98 ft)1,013 mm1,508 mm675 mm506 mm
50 m (164 ft)1,688 mm2,514 mm1,125 mm844 mm

When to find it#

Jan: 3% Jan Feb: 4% Feb Mar: 11% Mar Apr: 20% Apr May: 19% May Jun: 11% Jun Jul: 9% Jul Aug: 6% Aug Sep: 5% Sep Oct: 4% Oct Nov: 4% Nov Dec: 4% Dec
Share of iNaturalist observations by month across North America. Peak months: April and May.

About the Muskrat#

The muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), the only species in genus Ondatra and tribe Ondatrini, is a medium-sized semiaquatic rodent native to North America and is an introduced species in parts of Europe, Asia, and South America. The muskrat is found in wetlands over a wide range of climates and habitats. It has important effects on the ecology of wetlands, and is a resource of food and fur for humans.

Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Field-craft tips#

  • Macro-capable telephoto lenses are ideal.
  • Get down to eye level; a long lens with close focus (or an extension tube) helps with small subjects.
  • Sightings peak in April and May, which is when you'll have the most chances.

Ethics#

  • The welfare of the animal comes first: if it changes its behaviour because of you, you are too close.
  • Stay on trails, respect closures around nests, leks, dens and haul-outs.
  • Avoid playback and baiting in sensitive seasons; never bait predators.
  • Don't share precise locations of rare, nesting or roosting animals publicly.

More Hamsters, Voles, Lemmings, and Allies#

Hispid Cotton Rat Hispid Cotton RatSigmodon hispidus White-footed Mouse White-footed MousePeromyscus leucopus Eastern Meadow VoleMicrotus pennsylvanicus Western Deer MousePeromyscus sonoriensis

Frequently asked questions#

What lens do I need to photograph a Muskrat?

At about 34 cm long, a muskrat fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 338 mm, or at 20 m with 675 mm.

What shutter speed should I use for a Muskrat?

1/800 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.

When is the best time to photograph a Muskrat?

Observations in North America peak in April and May. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and activity.

Sources & licences#

Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources