Names of several animals start with the word “musk,” because they have a distinct odor about them that is often rather unpleasant. This is true of muskrats, found in many of the rivers, lakes and ponds throughout North America and parts of Europe. When fully grown, their bodies and tails are each about a foot long, and their life span is about four years. They are excellent swimmers and divers. Their hind feet are webbed to help them swim and work underwater. Their tails are scaly and act as rudders.
Muskrats build domelike houses, either in the banks of streams or out in the water by piling up mud and plants. These usually have more than one underwater entrance—a God-given instinct to keep enemies from getting inside. There is another benefit of these underwater tunnels. When the water is frozen over, they can still find food, including fish, frogs, clams and water plants. They take their food up one of the tunnels to either store in a lower room or go up to a separate room where they usually eat their meals and where mothers give birth to half a dozen or so little ones two or three times a year.
Some might wonder how muskrats get fresh air for breathing when the entrance is under water. Their kind Creator has arranged this for them, with fresh air coming in and stale air working its way out through slightly porous roofs that are covered with loose-growing plants.
They almost always build an additional room or two in a nearby shore or bank. Again, the entrance is below the water line, and then it tunnels upward to dry quarters through which they can escape when enemies break into the main quarters.
If a person sees a muskrat home and has the patience to sit quietly in a concealed spot nearby, he is quite likely sooner or later to see one or more swimming or sitting on the outside of its home where it is safe from most enemies. But if hawks or owls are nearby, they stay safely inside. They bravely fight any attacker, but because of their small size they often don't have a chance. Their main enemies are snakes, foxes, raccoons, owls, hawks and also people who trap or shoot them for their pretty fur. With so many enemies, it is easy to see why they spend the most time hidden in their unusual living quarters.
As we consider these and other creatures, it is plain to see how well the opening Bible verse expresses the Creator's care over each in its special way of life. And that includes boys and girls and grown-ups too, as we have our temporary homes here on earth. How thankful we should be to Him for that loving care!
ML-08/24/2008