The 1946-47 catch of 68,656 is approximately 23 'rats per acre over the 3,000 acres of producing marches. The additional sea-rims and ridges were not trapped. To trap this number of 'rats per acre the marshes must carry at least 30 to 35 animals per acre […]. If ignited by lightning or other agencies during dry spells these will suffer damage to 'rat populations.
Source: wiktionary
He useta trap otter, mink, mushkrats, and bear, wolves. You just love it. He taught us how to skin 'rats and stuff like that. I was 'bout ten.
Source: wiktionary
Part of that muskrat courage is a defense mechanism that comes from being picked on, as muskrats are fodder for virtually every predator going: fox, eagle, hawk, mink—even a snapping turtle will take a young muskrat on occasion, tugging it underwater and drowning it as the female 'rat swims on, unsuspecting. […] Kenny finds a 'rat in each of the next three sets, […]
Source: wiktionary