Quick answer
Muskrats are native to Asia and Europe and North America. Native to wetlands across Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico; introduced to Europe and parts of Asia for fur farming and now established in marshes from France to Siberia.
Native range
Native to wetlands across Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico; introduced to Europe and parts of Asia for fur farming and now established in marshes from France to Siberia.
Continents and countries
Muskrats occur across Asia and Europe and North America. Local populations depend on intact habitat, prey or food plants, and freedom from persecution.
Habitat types
Marshes, ponds, slow rivers, and wetlands across temperate North America provides shelter and feeding grounds. Seasonal movement may follow rains, prey migrations, or breeding cycles.
Range changes
Historic range may exceed current distribution. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate shifts continue to affect where muskrats persist today.
Sources
FAQs
Where do muskrats live in the wild?
Native to wetlands across Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico; introduced to Europe and parts of Asia for fur farming and now established in marshes from France to Siberia.
What habitat do muskrats prefer?
Marshes, ponds, slow rivers, and wetlands across temperate North America
Are muskrats found near humans?
Some populations overlap farmland or suburbs; always observe wild muskrats from a safe distance.
Which continents have muskrats?
Asia and Europe and North America.