Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

A muskrat pauses mid-chew for the camera. • Malheur Refuge is home to two similar semi-aquatic rodents: beaver and muskrat. Most know that the beaver’s tail is distinctively wide and flat, covered not in hair but scales. The muskrat’s tail, while similarly scaly, is long, thin and slightly flattened vertically. While swimming, a muskrat’s tail sweeps side to side, like a fish’s; the beaver’s paddle-like tail pumps up and down, like a dolphin’s. 📸: Terry W. Smith #muskrat #highdesert #oregondesert #greatbasin #malheurnationalwildliferefuge #friendsofmalheur ... See MoreSee Less

During its characteristic “hunting stoop” in pursuit of prey, the peregrine falcon reaches speeds in excess of 240 miles per hour, making it the fastest animal on earth! These superlative raptors are uncommon visitors to Malheur Refuge. 📸: Dan Streiffert #peregrinefalcon #falcon #highdesert #oregondesert #greatbasin #malheurnationalwildliferefuge #friendsofmalheur ... See MoreSee Less