"MOUNT MUSK-ARAT"

Muskrat - 7 Photos

I'm not certain why this muskrat repeatedly made a beeline to this small mound created by a fallen reed.

From its size and appearance, it is most likely a young muskrat, maybe even born earlier this year. 

It had to divert from its regular swimming path to make its ascent. The muskrat could easily have swam around it or avoided it entirely, but several times that afternoon, it climbed up, walked a step or two across and then went back down the other side. The photos below document that ascent of "Mount Musk-arat" and include some of the tiny flying inhabitants of the pond. Every athlete deserves its own cheering section.

Being young perhaps it was the challenge or just enjoyment. Or maybe it is a young muskrat's way of strengthening its core to be better prepared to confront any potential adversaries, maybe even take on the odd Great Gray Heron or two! :)

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