It's nearly the time of year when we take long holiday walks with loved ones. In those walks you may encounter a lodge on a pond. But, are you able to tell if the lodge belongs to a #beaver or #muskrat? Here are 3 ways to tell the difference (1/4)!

First, is the lodge big or small? Muskrat build small, compact mounds whereas beavers built much more impressive, dome-shaped lodges. (2/4)

Second, what is the lodge made of? Muskrat prefer to heap decaying plant material (mostly cattails and bulrushes) and mud to form a mound. Beaver like to weave together sticks, logs, mud and rocks into their housing structures. (3/4)

Third, if all else fails, chase some tail! Beavers have a broad, flattened tail that looks like the end of a canoe paddle. Muskrat have slender, scaly, long tails, more like a mouse.

Whichever animal’s lodge you spot, your wintertime walk will sure be excellent. (4/4)