The 11-inch black tail is scaly, practically hairless and laterally flattened. It is used as a prop when the animal is on its hind feet and as a swimming aid. The large, broad, hind feet are partially webbed and also well-adapted for this purpose. Biology and Habits Muskrats have dense, silky, grayish underfur that is heavily overlaid on the back and sides with glossy, dark-brown guard hairs. In Kansas, muskrats are classified as furbearers, and their harvest is regulated.
Muskrats are historically an important item in the fur market.
Their population in Kansas is considered spotty. Because of a decrease in surface water and an increase in stream pollution muskrats have declined. But, in some areas of good habitat, they are abundant. Sometimes muskrats cause problems in sewage treatment ponds and drainage canals. Muskrats are seldom far from water.