Well said, DD
I really only want to add that visualizing this "natural doing" in the world of the 'rat is a good practice followed by questioning.
For example; "What is that rat doing in that cattail slough, and why, and how, etc..?"
If the water is deep and they are feeding there, then it stands to reason that they's "appreciate" a resting place upon which to feed once the cattail root is unearthed. Play upon that.
If it's spring, and they are looking for mates, build that 'float' into a dry mound upon which they both can climb upon.
Muskrats are wonderful little animals.
