First Record of a Hermaphroditic Muskrat
Abstract
This paper documents the first reported record of a hermaphroditic muskrat, Ondatra zibethicus L. A common semi-aquatic furbearer, muskrats are distributed across much of North America. During routine dissection of muskrat carcasses (n = 114) harvested by trappers in southern Ohio during 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2021, a subadult/adult specimen was observed to have what appeared to be fully developed ovaries and testes. A written description and photographic documentation of this hermaphroditic muskrat is provided.
Keywords: muskrat, hermaphrodite, rodentia
How to Cite:
Althoff, D. & McCaulla, R., (2024) “First Record of a Hermaphroditic Muskrat”, The Ohio Journal of Science 123(2), 32-37. doi: https://doi.org/10.18061/ojs.v123i2.9615
Rights: Donald P. Althoff, Rachel E. McCaulla
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