James E. Miller 

Professor Emeritus

Mississippi State University 

Starkville, Mississippi

 

Human-Wildlife Conflicts

The muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) is a 

common, semi-aquatic rodent native to the 

United States (Figure 1). It spends its life 

in aquatic habitats and is well adapted for 

swimming. 

Although muskrats are an important part 

of native ecosystems, their burrowing and 

foraging activities can damage agricultural 

crops, native marshes and water control 

systems, such as aquaculture and farm 

ponds and levees. Such damage can 

significantly impact agricultural crops like 

rice that rely on consistent water levels for 

growth.

Muskrats also cause damage by eating 

agricultural crops, other vegetation, and 

crayfish, mussels and other aquaculture 

products. Loss of vegetation from muskrat 

foraging can impact marsh viability and 

habitats for other species, including 

waterfowl. Habitat restoration often takes 

years, negatively impacting fish and 

wildlife. 

Economic losses due to muskrat damage 

in Arkansas, California, Louisiana and 

Mississippi likely exceed most other states 

combined, primarily because of the vast 

amounts of productive marshlands and 

types of crops (i.e., rice, fish, crayfish and 

vegetable crops) grown in those states.

Wildlife Damage Management 

Technical Series

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service

Wildlife Services

January 2018 Muskrats

Figure 1. Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)

Quick Links

Human-Wildlife Conflicts 1

Damage Identification 2

Management Methods 3

Economics 5

Species Overview 6

Legal Status 10

Glossary & Key Words 11

Resources 12 

Appendix 13 
Landscapes

Muskrat damage to agricultural crops and aquaculture can 

significantly impact crop yields and economic investments. 

In states where damage occurs, regulations regarding the 

lethal removal of muskrats is often relaxed to allow for 

damage control.

Marshland habitats (Figure 2) and their associated wildlife 

communities can be substantially changed when muskrat 

populations erupt leading to “eat-outs.” “Eat-outs” are 

areas where vegetation is completely removed due to 

foraging by muskrats. These areas may take several years 

to recover.

Structures

Muskrat burrowing can cause structural damage to dams, 

dikes, railroad/road beds and levees. Erosion due to 

muskrat burrows and dens may cause cave-ins and the 

collapse of some structures. The economic impact can be 

substantial to aquaculture facilities, if levees or water 

sources are impacted.

Human Health and Safety

Muskrats can carry and transmit several infectious 

diseases to people. Of most concern is tularemia, a 

bacterial disease that is transmitted through 

contaminated water, infected meat or an open cut. Signs 

of tularemia infection include lethargy, fever, flu-like 

symptoms and infected sores. Tularemia can be lifethreatening to people and proper protective gear (i.e., 

rubber gloves) should be worn when handling muskrats.

Muskrats also serve as reservoirs for numerous other 

diseases including hemorrhagic disease, leptospirosis, 

ringworm disease and pseudotuberculosis. In addition, 

muskrats can carry parasites, such as tapeworms, 

roundworms, flukes, ticks and mites. 

Rarely do muskrats attack people unless captured. Use 

caution when handling live muskrats as they will bite and 

scratch with their clawed feet. 

Damage Identification

Muskrat damage includes chew marks or stripped bark on 

trees, and partially eaten stalks on agricultural crops or 

wetland vegetation, such as cattails, sedges and water 

lilies. Where freshwater mussels are eaten by muskrats, 

caches of mussel shells can be found on vegetation rafts 

or near resting and feeding sites used by muskrats.

Depending upon site conditions, muskrats either dig dens 

in steep banks or build dome-shaped lodges in open water 

using vegetation and mud (Figure 3). Burrowing may not be 

evident until serious damage has occurred. Signs of 

muskrat damage to banks from their burrowing activities 

include burrow entrances, erosion and cave-ins. One way 

to observe early burrowing is to walk along the edge of the 

dam or shoreline when the water is clear and look for 

“runs” or trails from just below the surface of the water to 

as deep as 3 feet.

Several other aquatic mammal species (e.g., American 

beaver (Castor canadensis), nutria (Myocaster coypus) and 

river otter (Lutra canadensis)) may inhabit the same rivers, 

streams, lakes, ponds and marshes as muskrats. Muskrat 

damage can be distinguished from these other species’ 

damage by the type of vegetation and animal matter 

consumed. Also look for differences in the size of the 

animals’ tracks or droppings, the size and locations of 

Figure 2. Typical marshland habitat where muskrat may be found.

Page 2 WDM Technical Series─Muskrats
burrows, the type of lodges/houses built, and other 

behavioral and physiological characteristics (See section 

on Physical Description for more information).

Most muskrat damage is caused by their burrowing into 

pond dams, levees, aquaculture structures and other 

sites. Other damage includes foraging on grain crops, 

particularly rice, occasional vegetation “eat-outs,” and 

gnawing into floatation materials or structures around boat 

docks or platforms. Unlike other species, such as beaver, 

muskrats do not build dams, cut down trees, stop up 

culverts and pipes or create lodges from gnawed down 

trees and limbs. Muskrat do not cut down small 

trees, sugar cane or corn stalks like nutria and beaver do 

in some areas. River otter damage is most often 

associated with predation on fish and other aquatic 

species in farm ponds and aquaculture facilities.

Muskrat burrow entrances are typically no larger than 5 to 

6 inches (12 to 15 cm) in diameter, whereas beaver and 

nutria burrow entrances can be 14 to 20 inches (35 to 50 

cm) in diameter. 

Management Methods

No single management method to prevent muskrat 

damage works all the time or in all settings. Generally, 

management methods should be combined so that one 

method enhances the effects of another.

Timing of control efforts is important. For instance, prime 

fur trapping season for muskrats is in the fall and winter 

when the muskrats’ coats are thick. This coincides with a 

decrease in open water habitats that muskrats depend 

upon. Thus, the trapping of muskrats during winter is not 

only economically worthwhile, but also easier since 

overwintering habitats are limited. Winter trapping also 

helps reduce the number of muskrats likely to cause 

damage the following spring. 

Habitat Modification

The best way to modify the habitat to prevent muskrat 

damage is to eliminate aquatic vegetation or other suitable 

foods eaten by muskrats. This can be done using 

prescribed burns to reduce marsh vegetation. 

Modifying the habitat by depleting water storage canals 

used for irrigation when no longer needed and removing 

water from rice fields after harvest can reduce muskrat 

overwintering habitat and make trapping more effective.

If farm ponds or levees are impacted by muskrats, draw 

down the pond’s water level at least 2 feet below normal, 

then fill dens, burrows and runs, and rip-rap the dam with 

stone.

Exclusion

Excluding muskrats from areas is difficult given the varied 

habitats they use. Fencing or other barriers may be 

worthwhile to prevent damage to specialty crops or urban 

and suburban lawns that are adjacent to aquatic habitats. 

Fertility Control

None available.

Frightening Devices

Although some commercial frightening devices are 

available, they typically are not effective at preventing 

muskrat damage.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Page 3

Figure 3. Muskrat lodge made of vegetation and mud.
Toxicants

The only toxicant currently registered by the U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency for use on aquatic 

rodents is Zinc Phosphide Concentrate (EPA Reg. No. 

56228-6). It must also be registered in the state of 

intended use. This toxicant can be used with bait 

materials, such as apples, carrots, pears and sweet 

potatoes, and made accessible to muskrats by placing 

near burrows or on floating feeding stations. Before using, 

carefully read and follow label instructions and use 

restrictions. 

Trapping

Trapping is commonly used for reducing muskrat damage. 

A variety of traps exist including foothold traps, colony 

traps and body-gripping traps. Effectiveness is dependent 

upon the trapper’s skill, knowledge of muskrat behavior, 

trap type used and persistence. There are many 

commercially available baits and lures for attracting 

muskrats to trap sets, such as feed bed sets.

Page 4 WDM Technical Series─Muskrats

Figure 4. Four foothold trap sets for muskrats. Note: All traps are placed underwater. Chains are wired to anchors in deep water.

Repellents

No repellents are currently registered for use with 

muskrats and none are known to be effective, practical or 

environmentally safe.

Shooting

In some states, it is legal to shoot muskrats. Before 

attempting to shoot muskrats, check regulations and, if 

applicable, secure the appropriate permits. 

In areas where small populations of muskrats exist, 

shooting can be an effective method for reducing damage. 

Shoot in the early morning or late afternoon. The best 

firearm to use is a shotgun with small shot (e.g., number 4 

or smaller pellets), if range is 30 yards or less. Other 

firearms such as .17 or .22 rimfire rifles can be effective 

when targeting the animal’s head or chest. Make sure to 

avoid ricochets, if shooting toward water. 
Before utilizing traps, the user should check current 

regulations regarding the status and take of muskrats in 

the state where they intend to trap. Some states have 

regulations applicable to the transfer or relocation of 

animals, euthanasia and disposal. Traps used for muskrat 

control include the following:

 Body-gripping type traps (#110, #120, #160 size): 

extremely effective when used in underwater sets and 

properly placed in burrow entrances and runs.

 Foothold traps (sizes 1, 1 1⁄2 , or 2): effective in 

underwater sets near burrow entrances or other 

commonly used locations (Figure 4). 

 Species-specific traps (i.e., stovepipe or colony trap): 

effective if properly placed in runs or burrow 

entrances; can take multiple animals per night when 

completely submerged.

 Live-cage type traps: not commonly used because of 

the animal’s aquatic habits; translocation of live 

muskrats is not allowed in most states.

 Cable devices: not commonly used because of the 

animal’s shape and difficulty in snaring.

For more information, please see the Association of Fish 

and Wildlife Agencies’ publication “Best Management 

Practices for Trapping Muskrat in the United States.” 

Euthanasia

If traps are properly placed in deep enough water, 

euthanasia is not necessary as the muskrat will drown in 

the trap. 

For live-trapped muskrats, a gunshot to the head (targeted 

to destroy the brain) is an approved method of euthanasia 

by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Where 

guns are prohibited, manually applied blunt force trauma 

to the head may be used to euthanize muskrats.

Disposal

Check local and state regulations regarding carcass 

disposal. In some areas, trappers process and sell the fur 

from muskrats and retain the meat for personal use or sale 

for human or domestic pet consumption. 

If using the toxicant Zinc Phosphide Concentrate, follow 

label directions for appropriate carcass disposal.

Economics

Economic losses due to muskrat damage can be very high 

in some areas, particularly in agriculture and aquaculture 

producing areas. In some states, damage may be as high 

as $1 million per year. Totals in four states (Arkansas, 

California, Louisiana and Mississippi) exceed losses 

throughout the rest of the United States.

Elsewhere, economic losses because of muskrat damage 

may be rather limited and confined primarily to burrowing 

in road beds, railroad beds, farm ponds, lake lots or golf 

course ponds. In some cases, the value of the muskrat 

population may outweigh the cost of the damage.

Muskrats also provide economic benefits. Muskrat pelts 

processed annually are valued in the millions of dollars, 

even with low prices. The species also provides ecological 

U.S. Department of Agriculture Page 5

Figure 5. Muskrat is a stocky rodent with a vertically flattened tail.
Page 6 WDM Technical Series─Muskrats

benefits, influencing wetland structure and function and 

serving as a prey species for other wildlife. Muskrat lodges 

create nesting habitat for many different waterfowl.

Species Overview

Identification

The muskrat belongs to the Family Cricetidae in the Order 

Rodentia. It is found primarily in marshes, wetlands and 

other aquatic habitats throughout North America. A similar 

species, the round-tailed muskrat (Neofiber alleni), is 

found only in the southeastern United States. 

The name “muskrat” is derived from a musky yellowish 

secretion males use to mark territories and attract mates 

during the breeding season.

Physical Description

Although sometimes confused with beavers or nutria, 

muskrats are much smaller. A muskrat’s tail is narrow and 

vertically flattened versus wide and horizontally flattened 

(beaver) or round (nutria). They are stocky rodents with 

small eyes, very short rounded ears, and a verticallyflattened, slightly scaled tail that is almost as long as their 

body. A muskrat’s front feet are considerably shorter than 

its hind feet and are adapted for digging and feeding. The 

large hind feet are partially webbed, with stiff hairs on the 

toes that aid in swimming (Figure 5). 

The average weight of muskrats varies geographically with 

larger animals usually found at more northern latitudes. 

Most male muskrats weigh around 2.5 lbs. (1.1 kg) with 

rare specimens weighing as much as 4 lbs. (1.8 kg). Male 

muskrats can reach overall lengths of 30 inches (76 cm) 

although most range from 18 to 24 inches (46 to 61 cm) 

with approximately 10 to 12 inches (25 to 31 cm) of that 

length coming from their tail. Females are slightly smaller 

Figure 7. Muskrat tracks

Figure 6. Range of muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) in North America .
than mature males, although just before parturition (i.e., 

giving birth) some mature females may weigh as much as 

or slightly more than males.

Muskrats’ fur color varies both geographically and 

seasonally. The color of the belly fur ranges from light gray 

to silver to tan. Remaining fur varies from dark tan to 

reddish brown to dark brown and even black, with the 

darkest animals usually located in the northern-most 

portions of the species’ range. 

Range

The 16 subspecies of Ondatra muskrats in North America 

are widely distributed (Figure 6). They are found from 

northern Mexico to northern Alaska, and most of northern 

Canada. The round-tailed muskrat is found primarily in 

Florida and parts of southern Georgia. Muskrats are not 

commonly found in dryer, desert type habitats. 

Voice and Sounds

Young muskrats squeal when wanting attention from their 

mother. Adults often emit low squeals and snarls when 

cornered or a chattering sound when fighting. 

Tracks and Signs

In addition to tracks seen in the mud (Figure 7), muskrat 

signs include dome-shaped lodges made from vegetation 

and mud, and burrows. Their burrows are often seen in 

levees, pond banks, lake shores and along ditches. When 

the water is clear, active burrows are identified by the 

muddy appearance of the water adjacent to the burrow 

openings. 

Fecal pellets are usually discharged randomly, but 

occasionally a group of 3 to 12 green to gray or even black 

oval pellets will be found on a vegetation raft or a grooming 

location like the end of a partially submerged log or 

exposed rock. Signs, such as partially eaten stalks or other 

vegetation or piles of opened and discarded freshwater 

mussel shells, may indicate the presence of muskrats in 

the area. 

Reproduction

In most locations, muskrats are not sexually mature until 

around one year old, and females usually produce their 

first litter around that age. However, in Louisiana, female 

muskrats have been found pregnant as early as 6 to 8 

weeks old. 

Most breeding occurs in the water with both the male and 

female being partially submerged. Copulation lasts about 4 

to 5 minutes. Males do not have teats. Females usually 

have four pair (occasionally 5 pair) of teats located on the 

belly between the front and hind legs.

The average number of young per litter varies with location. 

Litters born in northern locations (e.g., above 37° N 

latitude) average 4 to 7 kits per litter, with 3 or fewer litters 

per year. Southern locations tend to have smaller litter 

sizes (i.e., usually 3 to 4 kits per litter), but breeding occurs 

year-round with 3 to 6 or more litters produced each year 

depending on habitat conditions and food availability. 

Muskrat populations can expand rapidly if plenty of food 

and territory are available. However, because of territorial 

conflicts, predation, competition and other mortality 

factors, rarely does a population double its size. In fact, 

only in newly populated habitats do populations “erupt” 

significantly. Most populations are cyclic, varying with 

location and other factors, such as food conditions and 

high and low water levels.

The estrous, gestation, weaning and dispersal periods for 

muskrats vary with habitat and geographical location. 

Muskrats are polyestrous with estrous cycles lasting from 2 

to 30 days. Males and females are polygynandrous or 

loosely monogamous. Gestation periods vary from 19 to 30 

days with the average being 28 to 30 days in most adult 

females. 

Young kits may nurse for up to 21 days and are weaned by 

or before 4 months of age. Kits are independent by that 

time and are often dispersed by the female as she 

prepares to give birth to another litter. Males do not 

participate in the rearing of the kits. Although breeding can 

occur year-round, seasonal peaks are usually from October 

through June with many young born in March.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Page 7
Denning

Muskrat dens are found either in ground burrows or in 

partially submerged domes of vegetation. Muskrat dens in 

sloughs, ditches, lakes, streams and farm ponds are 

predominantly located in underground burrows. The 

burrow’s submerged entrance is usually 6 to 12 inches (15 

to 30 cm) below the surface of the water (Figure 8). In 

habitats with stable water levels and abundant aquatic 

vegetation, dens are most often found within domes of 

vegetation with underwater entrances. Underground dens 

may have multiple entrances.

Mortality

Although muskrats have a high reproductive potential, they 

usually have a short life span. Primary causes of muskrat 

mortality are hunting and trapping, disease, predation, 

climatic conditions, parasites, and competition including 

interspecific strife (i.e., fighting with other muskrats).

In places where muskrats are considered a nuisance 

animal, population control via hunting and trapping can 

occur year-round. Before initiating control efforts, check 

state fish and game agency regulations for allowed 

methods and seasons. 

Juvenile mortality rates vary with geographic location. They 

may be as high as 87 percent in extreme northern 

locations and as low as 16 percent in southern locations. 

Approximately 60 percent of muskrats die before the end 

of their first year. 

Adult mortality rates vary as well based on latitude, 

weather conditions, hunting/trapping, competition, food 

availability and habitat conditions.

Population Status

Muskrats are considered abundant throughout most of 

their range and, as such, are one of the most commonly 

hunted furbearers in North America. In some freshwater 

and costal marshes, and in areas where rice is grown and 

crops are irrigated, muskrat population cycles may cause 

them to be designated as “overabundant” and considered 

a serious pest. 

Population densities and carrying capacities vary with 

habitat type. For example, muskrat densities in 

predominantly sedge habitat have been recorded at 3 

muskrats per acre (7.4 per hectare), while those in cattail 

marshes have been recorded as high as 35 muskrats per 

acre (86 per hectare). 

Habitat 

Muskrat habitats include both freshwater and brackish 

water including coastal marshes, marshy areas within 

ponds, lakes, sloughs, ditches, streams, canals, water 

storage areas, strip-mined pits, borrow pits along highways 

and other aquatic habitats. 

The size of their home range is highly variable and 

dependent on the size and diversity of aquatic habitats, 

social pressures, environmental conditions, sex, age and 

season of the year. A muskrat located in a farm pond may 

have a very small home range (basically the size of the 

pond) while muskrats in a large marsh may have home 

ranges exceeding 197 feet (60 meters) in diameter with 

seasonal dispersal exceeding 735 feet (224 meters).

Denning or nesting habitats also vary. Along streams, 

ditches, lakes, canals and ponds, muskrats usually burrow 

into banks, making their dens underground with multiple 

Page 8 WDM Technical Series─Muskrats

Figure 8. Muskrat burrow with den site.
tunnels. In large marshes, muskrat dens are usually 

located within floating domes of vegetation with 

underwater burrow entrances. 

Behavior

Muskrats are primarily nocturnal, however, during the 

spring season they may become more active at dawn and 

dusk with their behavior tied to environmental conditions, 

weather and foraging.

Muskrats are territorial especially during the breeding 

season. They are considered semi-colonial when their 

densities cause overlaps in their territories. Because 

muskrats often breed with multiple partners, fighting often 

occurs among individuals in semi-colonial populations. 

Although they do not hibernate, during extreme winter 

weather conditions, muskrats will stay in their underground 

dens or floating lodges where food is cached. 

Muskrats are excellent swimmers and can stay submerged 

for long periods of time (i.e., 15 to 20 minutes) before 

briefly surfacing. While swimming with their hind feet and 

tail, their front feet are usually pressed under their chin 

and their tail is used as a rudder (Figure 9). They also are 

excellent diggers and burrowers with limbs well adapted for 

digging as well as swimming. They move fairly slowly on 

land and usually enter the water slowly. Although they can 

jump, muskrats generally walk or take small hops on land 

unless alarmed. 

Muskrats use their large front incisors to cut through 

woody vegetation, shoots, bulrush, sedges, cattails and 

other vegetation while submerged or above the water. 

Food Habits

Muskrat food preferences are highly variable. Although 

generally herbivores, muskrats will eat animal matter, such 

as clams, mussels, crayfish, turtles and frogs when 

vegetation is scarce. In the Appalachian Region of the 

United States, muskrats feed upon endangered mussels 

which is a major conservation concern. 

Preferred foods are cattails, roots, bulbs, sedges, bulrush 

and whatever aquatic vegetation is commonly available 

where they live (Figure 10). They also eat crops, such as 

corn, sugarcane, rice and carrots when available near 

aquatic habitats. 

Muskrats are dependent on aquatic habitats. During 

droughts or floods, and following “eat-outs,” those animals 

remaining will often move long distances to locate new 

aquatic habitats or will die of starvation, predation, 

accidents or disease. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture Page 9

Figure 9. Muskrats are excellent swimmers. They use their tail for propulsion Figure 10. Muskrats are primarily herbivores, feeding on aquatic vegetation.

and steering.
Legal Status 

Muskrats are common throughout aquatic habitats in 

North America. They are pursued by fur trappers in virtually 

all states and territories, and are one of the most 

commonly harvested furbearers in North America.

Laws, regulations, and ordinances regarding the take of 

muskrats varies by state and province where they are 

found and regulations on seasons, bag limits, and type of 

traps or devices that can be used to take them must be 

carefully followed.

Page 10 WDM Technical Series─Muskrats
U.S. Department of Agriculture Page 11

Acknowledgements

Figure 1. Photo by Tom Koerner, USFWS

Figure 2. Photo by Steve Hillebrand, USFWS

Figure 3. Photo by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Figure 4. Graphic by Manitoba Trapper Education publications

Figure 5. Photo by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Figure 6. Graphic by C.W. Swartz and E.R. Schwartz

Figure 7. Map by C.W. Swartz and E.R. Schwartz

Figure 8. Graphic by Jennifer Rees

Figure 9. Photo by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Figure 10. Photo by Linda Tanner, Wikimedia Commons

Portions of Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage, 1994, Muskrats by James E. Miller were used in development of this 

publication. 

Key Words

Burrows, Furbearer, Herbivore, Marshes, Muskrat, Ondatra 

zibethicus, Semi-aquatic, Wetlands

Disclaimer

Wildlife can threaten the health and safety of you and 

others in the area. Use of damage prevention and control 

methods also may pose risks to humans, pets, livestock, 

other non-target animals, and the environment. Be aware 

of the risks and take steps to reduce or eliminate those 

risks. 

Some methods mentioned in this document may not be 

legal, permitted, or appropriate in your area. Read and 

follow all pesticide label recommendations and local 

requirements. Check with personnel from your state 

wildlife agency and local officials to determine if methods 

are acceptable and allowed. 

Mention of any products, trademarks, or brand names 

does not constitute endorsement, nor does omission 

constitute criticism. 

Citation

Miller, J.E. 2018. Muskrats. Wildlife Damage Management 

Technical Series. USDA, APHIS, WS National Wildlife 

Research Center. Fort Collins, Colorado. 13p.

Glossary

Eat-outs: Areas where vegetation has been overgrazed by 

muskrats. Resulting damage can make the habitat 

unusable for muskrats and other animals for many years. 

Furbearer: An animal whose fur is commercially valuable. 

Herbivore: Eats only plants. 

Nocturnal: Active at night.

Polyestrous: Seasonal breeders having more than one 

estrous cycle during a specific time of the year. 

Polygynandrous: Mates with multiple partners.

Stovepipe or colony trap: A long, narrow, tubular or boxedshaped trap made of galvanized wire mesh with a one-way 

door at either end. Muskrats can enter, but not exit the 

trap. 
Page 12

Resources

Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. 2014. Best Management Practices for Trapping Muskrat in the United States. 

Washington (DC): Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. 13 pp. 

http://www.fishwildlife.org/files/Muskrat_BMP_2014_F.pdf

Chapman, J.A. and G.A. Feldhamer. 1982. Wild mammals of North America: biology, management and economics. The 

Johns Hopkins University Press. Baltimore, MD. pp. 282-325.

Miller, J.E. 1972. Muskrat and beaver control. Proc. First Nat. Ext. Wildl. Workshop. Estes Park, CO. pp.35-37.

Miller J.E. 1974. Muskrat control and damage prevention. Proc. Vert. Pest Control 6:85-90. 

Miller J.E. 1976. Muskrat control. AR Coop. Ext. Serv. Leaflet No. 436. Little Rock, AR.

Miller, J.E. 1994. Muskrats. Pages B61-B70 in S.E. Hygnstrom, R.M. Timm, G.E. Larson, editors. Prevention and Control of 

Wildlife Damage. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 2 vols. 

Nowak, R.M. 1991. Walker’s mammals of the world. 5th Ed. The John Hopkins Univ. Press. Baltimore, MD. 1,699 pp.

Schwartz, C.W. and E.R. Schwartz. 1981. The wild mammals of Missouri. Revised edition. Univ. Missouri Press, Columbia. 

356 pp.

Today's Trapper: Trapper Education Student Manuals-Trapping and Furtaker Basics. 2015. Kalkomey Enterprises, 

Inc. Dallas, TX. 75244. (Page numbers dependent on specific fish and wildlife agencies regulatory and education 

information provided for each state or province.)

Trapping and Furbearer Management in North American Wildlife Conservation. 2001. Northeast Furbearer Resource 

Technical Committee. 41 pp. 

WDM Technical Series─Muskrats
Appendix 

Page 13

 

 

Type of Control 

 

Available Management Options 

Exclusion Install fencing or other barriers to prevent access 

Fertility Control None available

Frightening Devices Typically do not deter muskrats

Habitat Modification  Conduct prescribed burns to reduce marsh vegetation

 Drain water channels when no longer needed for irrigation; Remove water from fields after harvest 

 Place stone rip-rap on the front edge and slope of pond dams to prevent burrowing

Repellents None available

Shooting Allowed with proper State permits

Toxicants Zinc Phosphide Concentrate (EPA Reg. No. 56228-6)

Trapping Allowed with proper State permits; Effectiveness dependent upon trapper skill, trap type used and 

persistence

Damage Management Methods for Muskrats