Exploring Richard M. Nixon County Park in York this weekend, we heard someone exclaim, "I need a naturalist!". As we hurry over, a woman and two small children stare inquisitively at a large rodent. Merely 15 feet away from us, this muskrat sat minding his own business. He nibbled some wood, went for a swim under the ice, and then cleaned himself for us. As if we weren't even there.
The muskrat is much smaller than a beaver and has a long rat-like tail.
Richard M. Nixon County Park, York, PA