Muskrat Monitoring

Impoundments such as the Tantramar Wetlands Centre provide ideal habitat for muskrats. Food is plentiful and because of TWC’s close proximity to human habitat, there are few natural predators around. These conditions routinely result in too many muskrats! The Wetheads, working under the direction of Dan Sears, monitor muskrat numbers each fall, and when necessary initiate a trapping program designed to ensure the structural integrity of the impoundment, maintain a healthy community of emergent vegetation and reduce the risk of disease within the muskrat population. Program participants learn first-hand about population dynamics and wildlife management techniques. If you would like to learn more about muskrats and trapping as a hobby, arrange to visit us in mid- to late-November.