Outdoor News Daily

After receiving several complaints last year, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department anticipates more complaints this spring about muskrat damage to township roads in the northeastern part of the state.

To better handle the problem, the department is streamlining the process local government authorities can use to deal with troublesome muskrats.

A large population of muskrats and high water levels are at the root of the problem. Muskrats seeking high ground near roadways will dig and tunnel with destructive results.

This year, GFP will again allow township, county and municipal authorities to remove muskrats in specific areas where roads and other infrastructure are being damaged. However, instead of requesting approval from GFP headquarters in Pierre, local government officials are asked to contact area conservation officers, wildlife damage specialists or the nearest GFP Regional Office for instructions and authorization.

Working through local GFP field staff or regional offices will shorten the process and allow local authorities to more quickly address muskrat problems.

Phone numbers for conservation officers and area Wildlife Division offices can be found in the most recent edition of the Hunting and Trapping or Fishing Handbooks. Otherwise, calls about muskrat problems in northeast South Dakota should be directed to the Watertown GFP office at 605-882-5200. In the southeastern part of the state, calls may be directed to the Sioux Falls GFP office at 605-362-2700.

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