Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings collection
Date of this Version
February 1962
Abstract
Today damage attributed to muskrat activities occurs both to irrigation systems and waterways serving agricultural interests as well as to power company installations, waterfowl refuges and hunting clubs. Direct damage or destruction of agricultural crops is relatively minor although the muskrat is known to feed on a variety of produce including ear corn, alfalfa, clover and carrots and frequently will cut a rather wide swath of rice near water control boxes separating rice paddies. The brief activities of fur trappers appear to have little significance as applied to alleviating these losses, so we are forced to recognize that we will have to live with the muskrat but control its activities when necessary. When speaking of control of muskrats we usually think in terms of damage prevention as well as taking or killing the animal so the methods described will be mentioned in that order.