Prevention and Control

Muskrats are classified as furbearers in Kansas. Licensed fur harvesters may take muskrats during the regular fur-harvesting season. Landowners may take problem muskrats at any time of the year if they follow the provisions in KSA 32-1002 which states: "Kansas law does not prevent owners or legal occupants of land from killing any animals when found in or around buildings on their premises, or when found destroying property, subject to the following:

• the provisions of all federal laws and regulations governing protected species and provisions of the Kansas nongame and endangered species conservation act are met;
• it is unlawful to use or possess with intent to use, any animals so killed unless authorized by rules and regulations of the secretary; and
• such owners or legal occupants shall make reasonable efforts to alleviate their problems with any such animals before killing them."