Responses of wild muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus L.) to scented traps

Free-ranging muskrats were trapped in scented and blank traps in New York State at local ponds during all seasons and at a wildlife refuge in spring and early summer. In a total of 4839 trap-nights, 65 muskrats were caught. Trapping success was 1.34%. The overall responses to differently scented traps differed significantly. Adults preferentially entered blank and food-baited traps, whereas young showed no preference to blank, musk, or control odor. It appears that adults actively avoid musk, especially during the months May through July.