What muskrats?

Chetty

New member
Here in most areas of PA the muskrat population seems to have declined dramatically. There are probably many causes ranging from birds of prey, to mink predation, and perhaps trapping pressure. Anyone from other areas notice the same decline in 'rat numbers during the past five years or so?
 
Talking to some of the older trappers I know, their numbers have been very low around here for over 20 years. Just never seemed to come back.
 
They seem more common in ponds & water close to farm buildings, highways or even subdivisions. Deep woods beavers are scarce too. I think predators of all types factor in heavily.
 
I was running bank lines with my 2 youngest this weekend and saw 2 in the creek we fish. First rats I'd seen in 5 or 6 years. Made me smile
 
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