How do you use a muskrat colony trap?

Answer 1

Muskrat colony traps can be used in a couple of ways. The first is at the entrance of a bank den or a muskrat lodge. The colony trap is simply placed as close as possible to the entrance of the den or lodge. The doors to the trap only open in one direction allowing multiple animals in, but they cannot escape. Another way to use the trap is where you see underwater muskrat "runways". These will often be a clear underwater path that muskrats frequently travel. These areas will usually be slightly lower than the surrounding area and usually free of debris if they have been used recently. Again the trap is just placed on the underwater path and the muskrats will enter it. Bait is generally not used in this type of trap. The trap works because the muskrat tends to follow the same path even if there is an obstruction in the way.