Also known as: Marsh rat, Musquash
A small aquatic rodent, one to two feet long, with glossy, brown waterproof fur and a skinny rat-like tail that makes a V shape when it swims. How To Prevent Or Resolve Conflicts With Muskrats: Most damage from muskrats are from burrowing and digging that can weaken dikes and dams. Learn how to make your area less attractive to muskrats. Learn more
Habitat & Range
In wetlands with dense emergent vegetation, with a preference for slow or still water, muskrats build small lodges out of aquatic plants, under root balls, in streams and pond embankments, and under docks.
Life History
Diet: This omnivore eats cattails, reeds, rushes, and pond-weeds; but also some mussels, insects, and crayfish. Nocturnal/Diurnal: Active all day throughout the year, the muskrat maintains water access routes through ice in winter, and can stay under water for up to 15 minutes. Reproduction & Family Structure: Four to eight young are born sometime between March and October.
Hunting Season
Early muskrat trapping (WMDs 1-6,9-11): Oct 26 - Nov 1. General trapping: Nov 2 - Dec 31.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regulations for hunting Muskrat in Maine
Muskrat may be trapped during the early muskrat season (WMDs 1-6, 9-11) from Oct 26 to Nov 1, and during the general trapping season from Nov 2 to Dec 31 statewide. No bag limit.
When is Muskrat hunting season in Maine?
Early muskrat trapping (WMDs 1-6,9-11): Oct 26 - Nov 1. General trapping: Nov 2 - Dec 31.
What is the bag limit for Muskrat in Maine?
No limit.
What's another name for Muskrat?
Muskrat is also known as Marsh rat, Musquash in Maine.
What is the scientific name of the muskrat?
The muskrat's scientific name is Ondatra zibethicus.
References
| State | Category | Directory | Subcategory | Content | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | Hunting | Regulations | Season Dates | Early muskrat trapping (WMDs 1-6,9-11): Oct 26 - Nov 1. General trapping: Nov 2 - Dec 31. | Link |
| Maine | Hunting | Regulations | Regulations | Muskrat may be trapped during the early muskrat season (WMDs 1-6, 9-11) from Oct 26 to Nov 1, and during the general tra | Link |
