Are There Muskrats in Montana?
Yes, muskrats are common throughout Montana in wetlands and waterways. These semi-aquatic rodents inhabit marshes, ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers across the state, from the western mountains to the eastern plains. Muskrats are most visible during spring and fall when they are actively building lodges and tunnels.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
- 450
- GBIF records
Yes, muskrats are in Montana. Next you'll want:
Yes, muskrats are common throughout Montana in wetlands and waterways. These semi-aquatic rodents inhabit marshes, ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers across the state, from the western mountains to the eastern plains. Muskrats are most visible during spring and fall when they are actively building lodges and tunnels.
Where Muskrats Live in Montana
Muskrats live throughout Montana in suitable wetland habitats. In western Montana, they inhabit marshes around Flathead Lake, wetlands near the Mission Mountains, and riparian areas along rivers like the Clark Fork. The Gallatin and Madison Rivers in southwestern Montana support healthy muskrat populations. Eastern Montana muskrats thrive in the Milk River drainage and wetlands associated with the Northern Plains. The Missouri River corridor from its origin in the mountains through central Montana provides extensive muskrat habitat. Smaller populations occupy beaver ponds and man-made reservoirs throughout the state. These rodents prefer areas with reliable water and abundant vegetation for food and lodge building. For more on muskrat in Montana, see ourMontana muskrat guide.
Season and Activity in Montana
Muskrats are active year-round in Montana, though their behavior changes seasonally. Spring and early summer mark their most visible period as they establish territories, build or repair lodges, and raise young. Fall activity increases again as they prepare for winter by gathering vegetation and strengthening their homes. Winter is often when lodges become most noticeable as the surrounding marsh vegetation dies back, exposing their distinctive dome-shaped structures. Muskrats do not hibernate but remain active under ice, using air pockets within their lodges and tunnels for breathing. Peak activity times are dawn and dusk, though you may spot them during midday, especially in spring and autumn. You can also browseMontana wildlife.
How to Identify a Muskrat
Muskrats are medium-sized rodents about 16 to 25 inches long including their distinctive scaly tail. Their body is covered in dense dark brown fur, often appearing nearly black when wet. The tail is flattened side-to-side and roughly as long as the body, unlike a rat's round tail. Muskrats have small rounded ears partially hidden in fur and small beady eyes positioned high on their head. Their hind feet are partially webbed to aid in swimming, while front feet have sharp claws for digging. Males and females look similar, though males may appear slightly larger during breeding season. When swimming, you see mostly the head and tail creating a distinctive humped profile. See all of ourwildlife guides.
Where to Spot Muskrats in Montana
Muskrats concentrate in shallow wetland areas with dense emergent vegetation like cattails and bulrushes. Look for them in the extensive marshes around Flathead Lake's northern shore and the protected backwaters of the Missouri River. The Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern Montana has good muskrat populations. Smaller inland lakes and ponds throughout western Montana attract muskrats, particularly those surrounded by willows and aquatic plants. Beaver ponds often host muskrats living alongside beavers. The best viewing occurs in spring and fall when water levels are moderate and vegetation hasn't fully grown or has recently died back. Check the edges of marshes during early morning or late afternoon for the most sightings. TheMontana wildlife hubprovides more specific location guidance for exploring these habitats.
Muskrat Behavior and Habits
Muskrats are semi-aquatic and excellent swimmers, spending most of their lives in or near water. They feed primarily on aquatic plants including cattails, bulrushes, water lilies, and algae, though they occasionally eat small fish and freshwater mussels. Muskrats build distinctive dome-shaped lodges from cattails and mud, typically 3 to 4 feet high, or they burrow into marsh banks creating tunnel systems. Lodges have underwater entrances for protection from predators. These rodents are somewhat social and may share marshes peacefully or establish territories depending on population density and available resources. They communicate through vocalizations including grunts and hisses and through scent marking. Families typically produce two litters per year in Montana, with young becoming independent by early fall.
Safety and Coexistence in Montana
Muskrats generally avoid humans and pose no threat to people. They are not aggressive and will flee from disturbances. Montana law provides no special protection for muskrats; they are considered fur-bearers and may be legally trapped during designated seasons. Muskrats can occasionally cause damage to wetland structures or dikes through their burrowing activities, but this is generally minimal and manageable. Around residential properties with ponds, muskrats typically coexist peacefully. Predators including mink, foxes, coyotes, owls, and eagles control muskrat populations naturally. To enjoy watching muskrats safely, observe from a distance and avoid disturbing their lodges during spring when mothers are raising young. Viewing from public wildlife areas is the best way to see them without impact.
Similar Species People Confuse with Muskrats
Beavers are the species most often confused with muskrats, though they are much larger at 35 to 60 pounds compared to muskrats at 2 to 4 pounds. Beavers have rounded tails and build larger dam structures. Nutrias are another wetland rodent sometimes mistaken for muskrats, but nutrias are larger and have orange front teeth and a round rat-like tail. Muskrats have the characteristic flattened tail and dense brown fur. Water shrews are small but look quite different with smaller size and pointed snouts. Mink are sometimes confused with muskrats though they are entirely different carnivores with sleeker bodies and smaller size. The best identification feature is the distinctive flattened tail and the dome-shaped lodge structure unique to muskrats among Montana's rodents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Muskrats
Q: What do muskrats eat in Montana? A: Muskrats eat cattails, bulrushes, water lilies, and other aquatic vegetation, occasionally supplemented with freshwater mussels and small fish. Q: How long do muskrats live? A: In the wild, muskrats typically live 3 to 4 years, though some reach 5 years or more in safe habitats. Q: Do muskrats harm fish populations? A: No, muskrats do not significantly impact fish populations and are considered part of healthy wetland ecosystems. Q: When can you see muskrat lodges most clearly? A: Lodges are most visible in fall and winter after the surrounding marsh vegetation dies back and becomes transparent, making the structures clearly visible from a distance. Visit ourwildlife guidefor more information about Montana's semi-aquatic mammals and explore other species on theMontana wildlife hub.
Plan your muskrat sighting in Montana
450 verified muskrat records have been logged in Montana, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Montana
- Big Hole National Battlefield · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Nez Perce National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Yellowstone National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
More places to see muskrat
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