Muskrat damage arises most commonly from their burrowing into levees or aroundwater control structures. Muskrats, also fur-bearers, can be effectivelymanaged through trapping and shooting. Although beavers and muskrats are probably known more for the damage theyinflict on water control structures or the nuisance they cause to humans, theyare an integral component of many wetland ecosystems. Managed populations ofbeaver and muskrat can actually improve marsh conditions. For example, beaverponds can increase plant diversity thereby increasing the diversity of habitatsavailable to various wildlife species.
Muskrats can be beneficial in marshmanagement by opening up dense tule stands.
For the purpose of this paper, small mammals are thosesquirrel-size or smaller. This section discusses some small mammal speciesimportant to wetland management, such as California ground squirrels, bats,mice and voles, and threatened or endangered kangaroo rats. Like the muskrat, the California ground squirrel and other ground squirrelswill burrow into dikes and levees of water control systems. Because of theseburrowing activities, necessary deterrence should be taken to avoid groundsquirrel damage to levees. Ground squirrels also areknown to predate waterbird nests.