Beaver & Muskrat Removal in Colorado
Southwest Colorado Local Animal Control
Beavers & Muskrats
Scientific name (beaver): Castor
Scientific name (muskrat): Ondatra zibethicus
Beavers and Muskrats are semi-aquatic rodents that can often be confused with each other. The most effective way to tell them apart is by their tail.
Beavers have a flat, wide, paddle-shaped tail. Muskrats have long, skinny tails.
The largest rodent in North America is the Beaver. They are mainly aquatic, able to remain submerged underwater for long periods of time. Beavers have valvular noses and ears, and lips that close behind the four large incisor teeth. Their tails also act as a rudder, making them excellent swimmers.
Beavers may be abundant wherever aquatic habitats and trees are available. They are highly skilled at building dams on streams. These dams are important for our ecosystem but can pose a severe risk to structures.
Muskrats are the largest microtine rodents in the US. Their name stems from the musk glands found at the ventral base of the tail on both sexes. Musk is secreted on logs and in other areas to mark territory during the breeding season.
Muskrats make their homes in aquatic habitats and are well adapted for swimming. Their large hind feet are partially webbed, their tail is laterally flattened. These animals use vegetation to build houses in creeks and ponds. They also establish dens in banks if the banks are tall enough.
Muskrats can become pests if living near your property. They may raid gardens or crops near water sources.
Southwest Colorado Residents: Get a Free Quote for Beaver/Muskrat Removal and Control
While beavers can become infected with rabies, it is uncommon. They are hosts to several ectoparasites, however, and can contaminate water with Giardia lamblia.
Tularemia is the most common disease associated with Muskrats
Muskrat & Beaver Removal in Colorado
Many of the issues created by beavers and muskrats have to do with water barricades and crops in rural settings.
While beavers are responsible for creating dams, muskrats are known to burrow into embankments in addition to creating structures that are similar to beavers.
There are products on the market that deal with beaver and muskrat removal. These can include cutting off the food supply and poisoning the creatures. However, we find these to be questionable methods and do not recommend buying products that could be harmful to wildlife and the ecosystem.
If you have any questions or need immediate assistance with a beaver or muskrat issue, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We can take care of your problem animal with methods that are safe, humane, and effective.