Muskrats

The muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) is a common, semi-aquatic rodent native to the United States. 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. 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.