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Responses of wild muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus L.) to scented traps

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Abstract

Free-ranging muskrats were trapped in scented and blank traps in New York State at local ponds during all seasons and at a wildlife refuge in spring and early summer. In a total of 4839 trap-nights, 65 muskrats were caught. Trapping success was 1.34%. The overall responses to differently scented traps differed significantly. Adults preferentially entered blank and food-baited traps, whereas young showed no preference to blank, musk, or control odor. It appears that adults actively avoid musk, especially during the months May through July.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Netherlands Organization for Applied Research TNO, P.O.B. 217, 2600, AE Delft, The Netherlands

    Jan Van Den Berk

  2. State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 13210, Syracuse, New York

    D. Müller-Schwarze

Authors
  1. Jan Van Den Berk
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  2. D. Müller-Schwarze
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Van Den Berk, J., Müller-Schwarze, D. Responses of wild muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus L.) to scented traps. J Chem Ecol 10, 1411–1415 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00988122

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00988122

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