Mammals

Dean Newman Photography

These are some mammals you are likely to see in and around the water.


Muskrat

Muskrats are common across the state. While considerably bigger than plain old rats, they are nowhere near the size of beavers, which can get to 50 pounds. Muskrats have tails that are slightly flattened from side to side, unlike beavers which have broad flat tails. Both animals build conical houses in the water, but only beavers build dams.

Wikipedia


River Otter

Otters are aquatic weasels. You may find them climbing around on banks, or splashing around in the water, especially around dusk.


Harbor Seal

Harbor seals are not uncommon in the winter, but kayaking is, so don’t expect to encounter them when you are out for a paddle.


Prospertown Lake - Jackson
( 40.134967, -74.457789 )

This is a nice clean lake that straddles the border between Monmouth and Ocean Counties. The neat thing about it is, if you scroll the map to the upper-right corner, that is not some industrial park, that is Great Adventure! This is the lake that is at the back of the park. At the east end of the lake, you are looking up at all the rides, while to the south is the Safari Park. You can see more water from there, but I wouldn’t jump any of the dykes, as that would put you on Great Adventure’s property, or maybe in the lion pen. It’s not a big lake, but there is plenty of shoreline to inspect. There is a small dam at the western end. No real facilities, just parking.

Printed from njkayak.net