Mischief

**mbrager** · 10-29-2011, 10:27 PM

I think this is a Norway Brown rat, very rare in Alberta since there is a government policy to exterminate them and keep Alberta rat-free. I saw it on a sunken log in the river, apparently building a nest. It seems unlikely there is only one. A group of rats is referred to as a pack or a mischief. (see Wikipedia) I did report the sighting to City bylaw and the provincial agriculture people. Carrying my long 100-400 mm lens finally paid off.

**Bambi** · 10-30-2011, 08:15 PM

holy crap- how big is that thing????!!

**aubintbay** · 10-30-2011, 08:17 PM

Carrying your lens paid off for sure. These are two great pics! It looks like his tail is almost longer than his body.

**mbrager** · 10-30-2011, 10:07 PM

Well, turns out it's actually too big to be a rat. It's a muskrat, which look similar to Norway rats but are larger and have partially webbed feet. They have similar breeding patterns, but muskrats live by the water, and aren't such a threat to grain and food supplies. I was sorry I jumped the gun there.

**Marko** · 10-31-2011, 09:23 AM

Very cool images - Shot 1 for me please.

**JAS_Photo** · 10-31-2011, 04:52 PM

Muskrat love.

Yeah, I am old. And don't freak out they are not related to the Norway rat but are part of the same family as Voles and Lemmings. Their fur was used for coats etc. Cool sighting though and nice photos!

**Bambi** · 10-31-2011, 07:20 PM

Originally Posted by JAS_Photo

Muskrat love.

Yeah, I am old. And don't freak out they are not related to the Norway rat but are part of the same family as Voles and Lemmings. Their fur was used for coats etc. Cool sighting though and nice photos!

lol I remember that song!!!

**Hillbillygirl** · 11-04-2011, 10:30 AM

Very nice pics of the "Rat" Mbrager. Little late in the year for just starting a hut.

Mischief

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