muskrats in seasonal waters?

[Jeremy S]

I've noticed in an area adjacent to the main creek I plan to trap, a lot of smaller creeks and ponds are starting to fill up and flow due to the rain. These are spots that were dry during the summer. My question is do these areas hold muskrats or other furbearers? Are they worth trying to trap?

[Trapper John]

Good question.  To answer that:
Yes they will hold some wildlife.  I have several ponds that go dry just about every other year and when that happens the wildlife such as beaver, otter, muskrats and mink all leave.  I have found that they will return when the rains come back.  It seems like beaver and otter return first than the muskrats.  The mink come in later after the muskrats.  I think the raccoon's stay in the area as long as there is food in the area.

All wildlife including prey and predators all know where these areas are and will return when the water comes back.  I think their like salmon, they will return the only problem is ....... when ?

I would give it a try but not right away.  Wait until the ponds fill back up and back to somewhat normal levels.  Throw in a trap or two say around January, test the water.
JC   

[Jeremy S]

Thanks JC. I will give them a try!

[Humptulips]

I would say the answer might be dependent on their distance from permanent water.
I know when you trap the river and it comes up and floods everything out those animals have to go somewhere. A seasonal pond next to the river might be killer or a long way away not so much.