Talk to me about muskrats

[Graybeard]

I had a new pond dug last year, it's now filled with water (rain water runoff is the water source) and I've added the first few finglering fish to it.

Yesterday I noticed a rather large muskrat in it. I actually didn't realize they got that big and at first in the water thought small beaver really. But it climbed onto the bank and was eating some wheat I have planted there when I got up real close and verified it is a muskrat for sure.

Now to my questions.

What to muskrats feed on? Just vegetation? Or might they eat my fish? What other concerns might I have about them being there? I don't have a "dam" as such as the pond is dug down into the more or less flat ground to a depth of 6' or more on average. Is there any reason for concern over their hole/tunnel digging considering that? Might they cause a collapse of the bank into the water?

For now I've only seen one, I suspect where there is one there will eventually be more. Should I take some quick action regarding this one or just accept it as a natural part of my pond and just be content to watch it?

[Bogmaster]

 The muskrats are basically vegetarians,though some seem to enjoy clams.Your fish should be worry free--mink,otter and coon enjoy fish--not so the muskrat.
 The rats will control some of your potential weed problems,but their dens collapsing can lead to erosion and some bank damage.
 One rat leads to more.
 Let us know what you decide.
 Tom