Are There Muskrats in Tennessee?
Muskrats are uncommon to moderately common in Tennessee, found mainly in northern and eastern regions where freshwater wetland habitat supports populations. These aquatic rodents inhabit marshes, swamps, and beaver ponds throughout parts of the state. Tennessee's diverse water systems provide scattered suitable habitat, though muskrats are not as abundant as in colder northern states.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
- 346
- GBIF records
Yes, muskrats are in Tennessee. Next you'll want:
Muskrats are uncommon to moderately common in Tennessee, found mainly in northern and eastern regions where freshwater wetland habitat supports populations. These aquatic rodents inhabit marshes, swamps, and beaver ponds throughout parts of the state. Tennessee's diverse water systems provide scattered suitable habitat, though muskrats are not as abundant as in colder northern states.
Where Muskrats Are Found in Tennessee
Muskrats in Tennessee are primarily found in the northern and eastern portions of the state where elevation and climate conditions favor freshwater wetland ecosystems. The upper Tennessee region, including areas influenced by the Cumberland Plateau and the Smoky Mountains foothills, provides the cooler, cleaner water that muskrats prefer. Various river systems support muskrat populations, though they are more common in the rivers and swamps of the northern tier of the state than in the central or southern regions. The Holston River in eastern Tennessee supports a muskrat population, as do its tributary streams and associated swamps. Beaver ponds throughout the forested regions of northern and eastern Tennessee frequently contain muskrats, since these two species often share habitat. The state's isolated freshwater marshes and pond systems in the higher elevations are more likely to support muskrats than the warmer, lower-elevation areas. Central and western Tennessee, with warmer climates and less extensive freshwater wetland habitat, have fewer muskrats. Muskrats are essentially absent from the driest regions. You can find more information about Tennessee wildlife and wetland habitats on the [link to /wildlife/tennessee]Tennessee wildlife hub[/link]. For more on muskrat in Tennessee, see ourTennessee muskrat guide.
Season and Activity in Tennessee
Muskrats in Tennessee are active year-round, though their activity levels and visibility vary with the seasons. Fall is a particularly active season as muskrats build and repair their lodges and burrows in preparation for winter. Tennessee's winters are milder than those in northern states, so muskrats here do not face the same extreme freezing conditions, though some freshwater marshes do freeze over in the coldest years. Winter observations of muskrats in Tennessee may be easier because reduced vegetation makes their lodges and feeding signs more visible. Spring brings higher water levels and increased movement as muskrats repair winter damage and establish breeding territories. Summer is a quieter season for muskrats as they rest in cool burrows during hot days, though Tennessee's mountain areas remain relatively cool even in summer. Muskrats may be more active during rainy periods at any season when water levels rise. Early morning and dusk are the best times to observe muskrats throughout the year. The mild Tennessee climate means muskrats can be active at any time during the day if conditions are favorable, making observation opportunities more flexible here than in colder states. You can also browseTennessee wildlife.
How to Identify a Muskrat
Muskrats are medium-sized, stocky rodents measuring about 16 to 25 inches in total length, including their distinctive tail. The tail is the most recognizable feature: it is flattened from side to side rather than round, dark brown or black, and obviously different from a common rat's tail. Their body is covered in dense, waterproof fur that is reddish-brown in color, sometimes darkening in winter. Adult muskrats weigh between 2 and 4 pounds, with males typically larger than females. Their large front teeth are orange-yellow and visible even when the mouth is closed. The ears are small and rounded, often nearly hidden in the thick fur. Muskrats have partially webbed hind feet, an adaptation for their aquatic existence. They possess specialized musk glands that produce a distinctive, strong odor, particularly noticeable during breeding season. This musky smell often alerts observers to their presence before seeing the animal itself. Young muskrats resemble adults but are noticeably smaller and may have lighter-colored fur. The combination of stocky build, flattened tail, and musky odor makes muskrats distinctive once you know what to look for. See all of ourwildlife guides.
Where Sightings Concentrate in Tennessee
In Tennessee, muskrats concentrate in the freshwater marsh and swamp systems of the northern and eastern portions of the state. The upper Tennessee River valley and its associated backwater swamps support muskrat populations more reliably than other areas of the state. Areas with extensive beaver pond complexes are particularly likely to have muskrats, especially in the forested regions of the Cumberland Plateau and the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The Clinch River drainage in eastern Tennessee has historically supported muskrats. Highland elevations with cooler water temperatures and more stable water levels are more productive for muskrats than low-lying warm areas. Look for muskrats in freshwater marshes dominated by cattails and bulrushes, in swampy areas with emergent vegetation, and around beaver ponds with suitable plant growth. Spring and early summer visits to appropriate wetland habitat on the [link to /wildlife/tennessee]Tennessee wildlife page[/link] offer the best opportunities for observation. Local nature centers and wildlife refuges in the northern part of the state may have information about the best viewing locations in your area of interest. OurTennessee wildlife guidecovers more species you may run into.
Typical Muskrat Behavior
Muskrats are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, most active during nighttime hours and around sunrise and sunset. They are herbivorous, feeding on aquatic plants including cattail roots, bulrush seeds, water lilies, and other marsh vegetation when available. In winter or when plant material is scarce, they supplement their diet with mussels, snails, crayfish, and occasionally small fish. Muskrats are excellent swimmers and divers, capable of remaining submerged for several minutes by closing their ears and nostrils. They construct dome-shaped lodges from mud and vegetation or burrow into marsh banks, depending on available materials and water conditions. A single lodge can house a family group of up to six individuals. Muskrats are territorial and use their musk glands to mark territory boundaries with a distinctive odor. They produce soft vocalizations including chirps and clicking sounds. Muskrats are mostly solitary outside of breeding season. In Tennessee's wetlands, muskrats play an important ecological role by controlling aquatic plant growth, preventing any single plant from becoming dominant, and modifying marsh structure through their activities. Read more aboutmuskrat in Tennessee.
Coexistence and Protection
Muskrats and humans generally coexist well in Tennessee with minimal conflict. These aquatic rodents are not aggressive and will avoid human contact whenever possible. They do not threaten people, pets, or livestock in any meaningful way and pose no disease risk to humans. Muskrats are protected as a furbearer in Tennessee and are managed by the state wildlife agency. Trapping is allowed during regulated seasons to maintain sustainable populations. Because muskrat populations in Tennessee are naturally lower than in colder states, the impact of trapping is carefully managed. Muskrats are actually beneficial to Tennessee's wetland ecosystems because their burrowing aerates marsh soils, their feeding habits help control aquatic plant growth, and their presence indicates a healthy, productive wetland. If you live near muskrat habitat, the presence of their lodges or the musky odor is a good sign that your local wetland is functioning well. Support for muskrats in Tennessee means protecting the freshwater wetland habitats they depend on. Visit the [link to /wildlife]national wildlife guide[/link] to learn more about wetland conservation. Browsewildlife in Tennesseefor related pages.
Species People Confuse with Muskrats
Muskrats in Tennessee are sometimes confused with beavers, though the differences become clear with careful observation. Beavers are much larger, weighing up to 60 pounds compared to a muskrat's 2 to 4 pounds. Beavers have a distinctive large, flat, paddle-shaped tail, while muskrats have a thin, flattened tail. Young beavers might appear similar in size to adult muskrats, but young beavers still have obviously different tail shapes and body proportions. Nutrias, also called coypu, are large South American rodents that have invaded wetlands in some North American areas. Nutrias do not occur in Tennessee. They are much larger than muskrats, weighing up to 15 pounds or more, and have orange teeth and different facial features. Water shrews are tiny rodents, only a few inches long, and would not be confused with muskrats. Minks are long and slender, very different from stocky muskrats in overall body shape. The distinguishing features of muskrats include their stocky build, medium size, distinctly flattened tail, and the characteristic musky odor. These features make muskrats easily identifiable once you know what to observe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are muskrats common in Tennessee? A: Muskrats are uncommon to moderately common in Tennessee, mainly in northern and eastern regions. They are not as abundant as in colder northern states but are present in suitable freshwater wetland habitat. Q: Where can I see muskrats in Tennessee? A: Visit the upper Tennessee River valley, the Cumberland Plateau region, and areas with extensive beaver ponds. The [link to /wildlife/tennessee/muskrat]Tennessee muskrat guide[/link] lists specific wetland areas where muskrats may be observed. Q: Can I trap muskrats in Tennessee? A: Yes, muskrat trapping is allowed during regulated seasons set by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Check current regulations for specific dates, methods, and licensing requirements. Q: What is that musky smell in Tennessee wetlands? A: The strong odor you detect is likely from muskrats marking their territory with their musk glands. This smell indicates muskrats are present and the wetland is healthy.
Plan your muskrat sighting in Tennessee
346 verified muskrat records have been logged in Tennessee, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Tennessee
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Natchez Trace Parkway · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Obed Wild & Scenic River · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
More places to see muskrat
More wildlife in Tennessee