In this quick tutorial you'll learn how to draw a Muskrat in 7 easy steps - great for kids and novice artists.
The images above represent how your finished drawing is going to look and the steps involved.
Below are the individual steps - you can click on each one for a High Resolution printable PDF version.
At the bottom you can read some interesting facts about the Muskrat.
Make sure you also check out any of the hundreds of drawing tutorials grouped by category.
How to Draw a Muskrat - Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: Start the Muskrat by drawing a rounded shape for the head, leaving a wide space open on the back. Let a line curve down for the neck. Add a small circle on the very front for the nose and a curved line for the mouth.
Step 2: Now, add two small circles, one inside the other, for the eye. Also, add a small ear shape near the top of the head.
Step 3: Draw three small whickers coming down over the mouth with three slightly curved lines.
Step 4: Draw a slight curve behind the head for the body. The fur on a Muskrat is very thick because it has two layers to help keep them warm and comfortable while they swim in cold waters. Add the small foot with three toes at the bottom of the body, as shown.
Step 5: Now bring two lines down to make the other arm, topped with another set of wiggly toes!
Step 6: Now, bring a curved line from behind the leg for the tummy. Muskrats are normally between 40 to 70 cm in total length, and half of that length is just from the tail! Add the tail by drawing a long tube shape that is rounded off at the end.
Step 7: Lastly, draw the small toes just next to the tail for the last leg. You can color the Muskrat dark brown or black.
Interesting Facts about the Muskrat
The muskrat is a type of semi-aquatic rodent that calls North America its original home. This muskrat has also been introduced to parts of Asia, South America, and Europe. The muskrat is most commonly found in wetlands with many varying temperatures.
Did you know?
- Muskrats are normally around 40 to 70 cm in total length, though half of that length is just from the tail!
- Muskrats normally weigh around 0.6 to 2kg
- These rodents are dark brown to black in color, except for the belly which is slightly lighter, and have short and very thick fur that covers its body
- The fur is so thick because it has two layers to help keep them warm and comfortable while swimming around in cold waters
- The long tail that the muskrat has is very important because it helps them to swim by being covered in scales rather than hair, and being slightly flatted out to have a bigger surface area.
- The shape of the muskrat’s tail is a unique trait, as they are the only animals that have this shape tail
- Muskrats live with their own little family that normally consists of a male, a female, and their young. Just like a common human family!
How to Draw a Muskrat – Step-By-Step Tutorial