Are There Muskrats in North Dakota?
Yes, muskrats are extremely common throughout North Dakota, thriving in the prairie wetlands that define the state's landscape. They inhabit marshes, lakes, sloughs, and river valleys across the state from east to west. North Dakota's abundant water resources create ideal muskrat habitat.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
- 140
- GBIF records
Yes, muskrats are in North Dakota. Next you'll want:
Yes, muskrats are extremely common throughout North Dakota, thriving in the prairie wetlands that define the state's landscape. They inhabit marshes, lakes, sloughs, and river valleys across the state from east to west. North Dakota's abundant water resources create ideal muskrat habitat.
Where Muskrats Are Found in North Dakota
Muskrats inhabit virtually every wetland system in North Dakota. The Missouri River valley running north-south through the state provides extensive habitat. The upper reaches of the James River, Yellowstone River, and Little Missouri River all support muskrat populations. Numerous glacial lakes and prairie sloughs dot the landscape, offering ideal muskrat habitat. The Souris River in the northeast and the Sheyenne River support established populations. Lake Sakakawea, behind the Garrison Dam, harbors muskrats throughout its wetland margins. The Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge, Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge, and Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge all have significant muskrat populations. The Devils Lake region in the north has abundant muskrat colonies. Even small, seasonal prairie potholes support muskrats during wetter years. Western North Dakota's badlands contain populations in river bottoms and springs. Muskrat presence in North Dakota is widespread and consistent. For more on muskrat in North Dakota, see ourNorth Dakota muskrat guide.
Seasonal Patterns and Activity in North Dakota
Muskrats endure harsh North Dakota winters without hibernating, remaining active beneath ice throughout the season. They prepare extensively in fall, building thick lodge walls and gathering food caches. Ice formation in November and December drives them to construct and maintain breathing holes. Spring ice breakup in March and April reveals increased activity as they emerge from winter quarters. Breeding season extends from March through June with most activity in April and May. Litters of 3 to 6 young are born after 30-day gestation periods. Multiple litters per year are common in North Dakota's favorable conditions. Summer and early fall are the most visible seasons for observation. Fall preparation is intense as they stockpile vegetation and repair lodges. Winter trapping seasons reflect the state's tradition of utilizing muskrat populations sustainably. Spring courtship creates territorial vocalizations and increased movement. You can also browseNorth Dakota wildlife.
How to Identify a Muskrat
Muskrats measure 15 to 25 inches in body length with a distinctive vertically flattened, scaly tail 8 to 11 inches long. Fur color ranges from dark brown to almost black, with slightly lighter undersides. The body is compact and stocky, clearly adapted for aquatic life. The head is small relative to body size, with tiny, beady eyes adapted for dim light. Hind feet are partially webbed and larger than front feet, facilitating swimming. Front feet are small with claws suitable for digging and construction. Ears are small and partially concealed in dense fur. Orange-colored incisors are visible when the mouth opens. Musk glands at the tail base produce a distinctive musky odor, particularly prominent during breeding season. The scaly tail texture distinguishes muskrats from beavers and nutrias. Body proportions and size confirm identification when compared to other North Dakota rodents. See all of ourwildlife guides.
Where to Spot Muskrats in North Dakota
National Wildlife Refuges offer excellent opportunities for muskrat observation throughout North Dakota. Arrowwood and Long Lake refuges have established visitor facilities and accessible trails. Early morning walks along marsh edges yield frequent sightings. Spring and fall provide the best viewing periods. Look for cone-shaped lodges 3 to 4 feet tall in deeper marsh areas and open water. Lodges are constructed from cattail stalks, rushes, and mud. Feeding shelters appear as small platforms of chewed vegetation scattered throughout territories. Burrows along embankments and marsh edges indicate active sites. Trails through marsh vegetation mark regular travel routes muskrats use repeatedly. Listen for splashing and movement in dense cattail stands during quiet times. Water disturbance indicates diving or movement. Guides towildlife/north-dakota/muskratprovide specific refuge locations. The state'swildlife/north-dakotahub offers refuge contact information and seasonal access guidelines. OurNorth Dakota wildlife guidecovers more species you may run into.
Muskrat Behavior and Diet
Muskrats are primarily nocturnal, most active between dusk and dawn, though daytime activity increases during breeding season and in spring and fall. They are solitary or live in small family groups during breeding. Diet consists almost entirely of aquatic vegetation including cattails, rushes, arrowhead, pondweeds, and water lilies. They also consume freshwater mussels, snails, and occasionally small fish and crayfish. Muskrats are excellent divers and can remain submerged for up to 17 minutes while foraging on lake and marsh bottoms. They spend considerable time grooming and maintaining their waterproof fur. Males mark territories with musk secretions from glands at the tail base. Lodge construction represents remarkable engineering, featuring multiple chambers connected by underwater entrance tunnels. In winter, they maintain air pockets and breathing holes beneath ice. Their food caches help sustain them through long frozen periods. Read more aboutmuskrat in North Dakota.
Coexistence and Safety in North Dakota
Muskrats are generally harmless to people and pose minimal safety concerns. North Dakota maintains regulated trapping seasons for muskrats as a traditional furbearer harvest. Muskrats rarely bite unless cornered or handled. They are important prey for mink, river otters, bald eagles, and large pike in North Dakota waters. Their presence indicates healthy aquatic ecosystems and good water quality. Disease transmission to humans is extremely rare. Muskrat populations do not represent rabies concerns compared to other wildlife species. Occasionally, burrowing can weaken levees or pond dikes, but this is uncommon in natural settings. Most people who encounter muskrats can simply observe from a safe distance. Children and pets should never approach wild muskrats. Learning aboutwildlifethrough conservation resources enhances appreciation for their ecological importance. Browsewildlife in North Dakotafor related pages.
Species Confused with Muskrats in North Dakota
Nutria are occasionally confused with muskrats in North Dakota, though nutrias are much larger, weighing 15 to 20 pounds compared to muskrats at 1 to 2 pounds. Nutrias have round, rat-like tails and prominent orange incisors visible year-round. They originated in South America and are less common in North Dakota than further south. Beavers are far larger at 40 to 60 pounds with massive flat tails and dams visible in landscapes. Muskrats lack the dam-building behavior of beavers. Water voles are much smaller, only 3 to 5 inches total length. Mink are sleek predators with long, slender bodies quite different from stocky muskrats. Prairie voles inhabit grasslands rather than water. Shrews occasionally seen in water are tiny, less than 4 inches, with sharp pointed snouts. Field guides aid in distinguishing these species through careful observation of size and proportions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Muskrats in North Dakota
How do muskrats survive North Dakota winters? Muskrats remain active beneath the ice, maintaining air pockets and breathing holes in their lodges. They construct thick lodge walls for insulation and gather food caches. Are there more muskrats now than in the past? Muskrat populations fluctuate with water levels and wetland conditions. Wet years support higher populations. Can you see muskrats at North Dakota refuges? Yes, many refuges have established populations visible during spring, fall, and early summer from refuge trails. What causes muskrat population crashes? Extended droughts and loss of wetland water cause crashes. Flooding and wet periods support population expansion and recovery.
Plan your muskrat sighting in North Dakota
140 verified muskrat records have been logged in North Dakota, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in North Dakota
- Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- North Country National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site · Find hotels
More places to see muskrat
More wildlife in North Dakota